A Buyer’s Eye View of Shanghai

October 31, 2007  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Markets on November 2007 Home Furnishings Business spent the second day of the Shanghai furniture market with members of the buying team from American Furniture Warehouse, Thornton, Colo., to get a retailer’s-eye view of shopping the show. This year was AFW’s ninth at the Shanghai event.

In Shanghai, AFWs team split into three areas of focus: CEO Jake Jabs and Buyer Nicole Gunther handled upholstery; Fran Coleman shopped case goods, occasional and outdoor furniture; and Tony Mitchell searched for ready-to-assemble and home office goods.

The first half of the day was spent with Jabs and Gunther at the Furniture China show at the New International Expo Center in Shanghai’s Pudong district. Later on, Coleman rejoined Jabs and Gunther for a look at the Shanghai International Furniture Fair, held at the new JSWB Global Furnishings Center on the city’s outskirts.

Keep in mind that the opinions below are those of one retailer shopping for goods specific to its market and price niche.