Welcome to Furniture Fair Online

So the hung parliament debacle rumbles on... and it's a safe bet that everyone is over it, particularly the business and retail sector, always prime victims of uncertainty.

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) came out days ago to urge a swift resolution, and I can't really put it better than ARA executive director Russell Zimmerman, so here he is. "During an election period retailers traditionally notice a flattening of sales. In an already sluggish retail environment, the uncertainty of this caretaker period shouldn't continue for any longer than necessary." Come on guys, enough is enough. To borrow a phrase, isn't it time to be 'moving forward'?

Hung parliament aside, it's good to know that some retailers have used recent political events to their advantage. Having built a global business through its ethos of putting the ‘effective' into ‘cost-effective', IKEA has carried this approach through to its advertising, its recent skit on cabinets and politicians earning it a coveted advertising industry gong (see our story below).

At Furniture Fair Online we're keen to hear your stories. If you're launching a new brand, expanding your retail presence, changing your marketing strategy, or you have an industry issue you'd like to air, spread the news! Contact me at belindas@aec.net.au

Belinda Smart
Editor - Furniture Fair Online

Monsoon to extend market share
	Monsoon Imports will be showcasing an enhanced range of outdoor and indoor furniture at the forthcoming Australian International Furniture Fair (AIFF) next February, following its acquisition of Bertwistle Imports in March. read more »

IKEA’s political cabinet quip a winner
	A satirical IKEA campaign featured in newspapers in the wake of the ALP's ousting of Kevin Rudd has been announced as the winner of a major newspaper advertising award. read more »

New exhibitor promises a top night's sleep
	Brisbane company Latex Mattress Factory has signed up as a first time exhibitor at the Australian International Furniture Fair (AIFF) next February. read more »

Fantastic, optimistic but realistic
	Despite reporting a slight decline in full-year net profit in the year to June 30, due to "depressed conditions", Fantastic Furniture remains cautiously optimistic for the current year. read more »

Gigi-tastic	Space pods	Causing a rift