In 1998, the Market added 50,000 square feet of space and, for the Year 2000 Market, an extra 30,000 square feet to accommodate about 100 new exhibitors. Figures for the first nine months of 1999 are already up by more than 20 percent over the corresponding period in 1998. This success has been reflected in the creation of nearly 20,000 jobs in the Canadian furniture industry since 1996. Just after Trillium Judges had returned to their stores for the pre-holiday push, we interviewed a few of them to get reactions to the shapes, colors and trends seen during their Trillium trek to factories and showrooms assessing pieces destined to appear on their floors in a month or two. Dave McCurdy, Lounsbury Company of Moncton, New Brunswick, talked of change.
Leather is a rapidly growing factor.
There are more upholstered suites tailored without skirts, and we're seeing show wood and all types of shaped and turned legs. The European look is well interpreted, and there is a unique new look in animal prints. There's some really good stuff in casegoods, and much of the lighting is totally different. Doug Piatt, Sears Canada, Toronto, was also enthusiastic about the leather presentations. Leather quality, both grades and protection, is getting better and better and, accordingly, customers are getting a better deal.