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CDI Makes U.S. Debut
September 30,
2012 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in High Point on October 1, 2012
Full-line Canadian furniture vendor CDI International will make its U.S. debut at the Oct. 13-18 High Point Furniture Market.
As part of its expansion into the U.S. market, Montreal-based CDI will exhibit in a 2,276-square-foot showroom in Showplace, Space 1502, during the market, which takes place Oct. 13-18.
We see a good opportunity for our line to grow in the U.S., said David Ouaknine, president and head buyer. The U.S. market is slowly starting to rebound, and we want to begin establishing a presence now, so that well be ready when business comes back.
To draw attention during the High Point Market, CDI International is designing the framework of its Showplace showroom as a huge version of a trunk that retailers and other buyers will enter to view the line.
The showroom will be like a piece of very stylish furniture that visitors walk into, said Ouaknine. It will provide a compelling introduction to our company and our philosophy, which is to explore the cutting edge of design and trends.
With roots that trace back to 1985, when Henry and Daniel Ouaknine--Davids late uncle and father--began importing antiques, CDI specializes in unique designs sourced from India and China. The India facility, which provides the companys wood products, is a partnership. The Chinese plants produce upholstery for CDI under license.
CDIs line includes hand-crafted armoires, benches, beds, tables, chairs, media centers, lighting and mirrors, in styles that range from classic Scandinavian and rustic to cutting-edge industrial and modern. The companys customers include independent furniture stores of all sizes, interior designers, hotels and other contract clients. CDIs wholesale furniture division was established in 2000.
CDI warehouses best sellers at its headquarters in Montreal and plans to add a California distribution center to service customers in the West. The company offers four types of pricing: Designer, regular wholesale, volume wholesale and container wholesale. Volume wholesale pricing provides a discount of 10 to 15 percent to customers who arent in a position to buy a full container but still purchase more than $60,000 worth of products annually from CDI.
We strive to provide our customers with not only a well-designed and high-quality product at a fair price, but also first-rate customer service from our sales force and in-office team, said Ouaknine. He added the CDI also works closely with its production partners to reduce its ecological footprint and maintain high standards for safety and quality. Many of the companys products feature reclaimed wood.
At market, CDI will introduce a new accent trunk collection, as well as new fabric and leather upholstery in midcentury styling. Many of the companys designs are patented, according to Ouaknine, to protect their originality.
We invite dealers of all sizes to come see our line, which will include many exciting introductions, said Ouaknine. We want our showroom to be the place to be for inventive products and fresh styles.
Ouaknine added that CDIs new showroom will include a bar, where it will host informal gatherings toward the end of each day.
Julie Messner, vice president of leasing for International Market Centers, applauded CDI for choosing High Point as its vehicle for expansion into the United States: We are thrilled that they have made the commitment to be part of the worlds leading home furnishings market.