Australia’s Flagship Furniture Fair Reveals 2017 Highlights

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Setting new standards of excellence in the Australian furnishing industry, Furnishing in Focus (FIF) is set to cement its status as the must-visit furnishing exhibition of 2017.

Set to take place on Thursday 4th and Friday 5th May at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, FIF will be showcasing the very latest in fabric and leather trends featured on products from the nation’s best furniture makers, with new releases and product launches from some of the most exciting names in Australian fabrics and textiles.

This penchant for innovation builds on the success of FIF’s 2016 exhibition, where over 60 Australian Manufacturing Exhibitors launched new products to an enthusiastic trade audience who relished the opportunity to get the very first look at the latest products on the Australian market.

“The beauty of this exhibition is in the fact that it’s for the trade only, with a sensible two day window to the world, unimpeded by numbers from the general public,” said Exhibition Director John Mackinnon

“We learned some time ago that there is little point exhibiting new products to the consumer if there are no retail floor-stocks or distribution channels to direct them to.  When it comes to showing the very latest in furnishing trends, the best place is in Australia’s own furniture and decorator retail environments” John added.  “This exhibition is where the trade comes to buy and subsequently to offer great selections to the consumer, in store.”

Indeed, it seems that leading industry groups are in full support of these principles with increasing trade buyer numbers attending from all corners of the country. This year, internationally respected textile and leather suppliers will also join forces to kick start the exhibition with the latest colours and designs. Charles Parsons, James Dunlop, Leather Italia, Mokum, NSW Leather, Profile Fabrics, Warwick Fabrics and Zepel will bring together the very  best in world trends, all under one roof, giving Australia’s Retailers, Interior Designers and Commercial Buyers an unparalleled opportunity to create their own furnishings ‘theatre’ from the very best choices available.

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“It’s also significant that this exhibition is solely focused on Australian manufacturers and is entirely free of imports, encouraging a much needed design creativity that buyers are looking for, together with the peace of mind that comes from locally produced products with excellent quality, after sales service and highly competitive lead times.“ John added.  “We have had numerous retailers who have come back to local production after experiencing on-going frustrations with faulty goods, incorrect container shipments and lead-times as long as 16 weeks.  Local manufacturing provides an excellent opportunity to improve retail stock turns and to offer bespoke options to the design and commercial sectors.”

It seems that an upsurge in consumer awareness of the Australian Made brand has been further encouraged through new Australian Government labelling laws introduced in July 2016.  The increased sponsorship of the FIF exhibition by the Australian Made organization cements the status of the Australian furnishing industry as a key pillar of the Australian economy, and one with a bright future of it.

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On Thursday evening 4th May from 5-8pm, all exhibitors and visitors are invited to attend an enjoyable night of informal drinks and live music on-site, providing an enjoyable opportunity to celebrate FIF and make invaluable industry connections.

The esteemed Furniture ‘Vice Award’ will also be announced at this time, acknowledging specific individuals who have made long term contributions to the Australian furniture industry. Established in 1993 by founding patron Warwick Fabrics, this most prestigious award has since paid tribute to thirty of Australia’s great industry identities. An annual highlight recognising excellence in the industry, anticipation as building ahead of the this year’s winner being revealed.

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As the progress continues in establishing Furnishing in Focus as one of the industry’s most important trade-only shows, exhibitors and buyers alike are looking forward to a bright Australian Furnishing future.

For further information and on-line visitor pre-registration please visit  furnishinginfocus.com