Biggest furniture bazaar in Cebu set on November 24-26

CEBU, Philippines — Furniture City is organizing the biggest furniture bazaar in Cebu on Nov. 24-26 to bring together local furniture makers to entice the potentially robust domestic market.

The Mandaue City-based furniture store is bringing leading furniture companies to the The Biggest Furniture Christmas Bazaar happening in Paradise Garden Events Pavilion along H. Abellana St, Jagobiao, Mandaue City.

Cebu’s leading furniture companies will display a broad range of products for indoor and outdoor furniture, from tables and chairs to sofa sets and beds.

Among these companies include Rain or Shine (which is the company behind Furniture City), Home Suite, GLC Fine Living and Uratex.

Gifts, toys and houseware manufacturers and distributors will also display their wares.

Several distributors of garments, fashion jewelries and food items will likewise showcase their products for added choices and gift ideas.

In an interview yesterday, Jim Cassels, marketing director at Furniture City, said the furniture sector is shifting focus on the local market while the export market has continued to recover.

"The recovery time (of the export/foreign market) has been slow," he told reporters.

Cassels said the foreign market for the furniture industry has been on the upswing for the last years so tapping the local market is considerably a wise move for the sector.

Exhibitors are expected to offer highly discounted rates during the furniture sale.

Cassels noted that the furniture sector is seen to continue see growth in terms of sales.

He cited the growing population in Cebu and the rising middle class as among the key factors that are contributing to this growth.

Furniture City, which claims to be the biggest furniture showroom in Cebu, showcases brands ranging from high-end designer pieces all the way down to commodity items that appeal to the average family.

Since it opened two years ago, the furniture store now has more than 20 brands under its roof.

The one-stop shop Furniture City carries furniture brands, home decors and home accessories.

Osbert Ong, its general manager, also said the showroom also provides an avenue for small furniture players to showcase their products to the local market.

He said the showroom, located in Hernan Cortes, Mandaue City, can still accommodate additional tenants.

Ong expressed confidence on the Cebu furniture manufacturing business, as target markets expand to include the resorts, hotels, restaurants, condominium and residential. (FREEMAN)