Furniture makers gear up for show
If you’ve ever tried to have furniture made around Christmas time you know that, because of the huge demand, you’ll be lucky to get it by Easter. But now, with the sun shining hot and the sawmills spitting out lumber by the truckload, Belize’s furniture makers are in a mood to show off what they’ve got. News Five’s Arreini Palacio explains.
These chairs may not have the glaze of the final finish but by Friday they will be out of the wood shop and into Fiesta Inn as Belize’s craftsmen prepare to show off their best and brightest in the Wood and Furniture Show ’98. The exhibition, to be held this weekend, has attracted manufacturers countrywide who will be displaying everything from chests-of-drawers to handicrafts. According to David Habet, member of the Wood Manufacturers Association, this show is especially created for the buyers.
David Habet, Dave’s Furniture World
“Most of the products that are at the show are available for sale. A few of them might have been ordered by the customer, right, but if anyone likes anything and they want to purchase it they can purchase it but it will have to be delivered after the show.”
Although there will be few exhibitors than last year, the wood manufacturers expect twice as many spectators than last year. And this should prove to make business a little better for third generation cabinetmaker, Emid Alamilla.
Emid Alamilla, Alamilla’s Furniture
“We have been doing this for a long time, no. People thought we were out of business because we were in King’s Park but since we came up here people are getting to know us again so in that way it helps.
Whatever we have out there we will sell, people could order probably at a lower price too.”
Not only should the low prices attract buyers, but manufacturers are putting out pieces that are sure to attract attention.
David Habet
“Well most people in Belize as far as we’ve seen at the show and over here, are looking for things that are reasonably priced and have a good enough finish. Those are the things that people are looking for. Office furniture sold a bit at the last show and a couple beds and that type of thing. So it’s that type of people looking for all types of things, you know, office furniture, little side tables and chairs. All those will be there this year.”
If it’s made from wood it’s likely to be there. Arreini Palacio for News Five.
The show at the Fiesta, which opens Saturday morning at nine, costs two dollars entrance for adults, one dollar for children.
