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'Businegsetijoiri hands to cover office furnishing market PAGE IO - WATERLOO W. WEDNESDAY, MARCO-[27. 1985 Canadian economic optimism is still fragile. The annual survey of 3.000 Canadian households by the Laurier Institute for Business and Economic Studies, shows that 26 per cent of all Canadian households see themselves as better off now. considering all financial aspects. than they were last year. That's a gain of two per cent from 1984. Generally, the Canadian public did not sec a significant change in the overall economy coming in the rest of this year. But 29 per cent feel their own financial condition will be better by the end of the your. i The greatest gain was in Alberta. which registered a seven per cent increase in financially better off households for this year than for the previous one. The Waterloo region was included in the national sample and 64 households were interviewed. Twenty- eight per cent said they were better off than they were in 1984. Only 10 per cent said they were worse off. compared with 22 per cent for all of Canada. Thirty-three per cent (M) James Cola and David Comar'a display demonstrating geomairic Mama that could be formed by aoap bum was unique enough to win than: a tint min in St. Jotttt'BAuimqrttock annual acianoa iaiv. C3-gegrMto6t, WLU business survey shows regional optimism ombining forces CLOSE STUDY M0106” Martinuk Two longtime competitors have joined forces to become one of the largest ottiee furnishings suppliers in south-western Om tario. Chronicle Staff Bruce Burns. president of Waterioo’s Sehendel's Stationery Ltd., has announced the merger of Schendel's office furnishings division with lnterplan Business Interiors of Kit- chener. _ "Each of us brings different strengths to this combined group," said Bruce. "They needed strength in their stock inventory and we needed a stronger design capability. "Togeiher this makes us a stronger and more capable force in the office furnishings industry." _ Schendel's vice-president Tom Burns explained that the union was in response to changing trends in the industry, with customers looking for a "full-integrated approach" to office layout, design and the purchase of furnishings. A “The trend in office furnishings is towards fewer. bigger and better dealers. We felt this was one way we could have a lot more capacity to help our customers and ourselves," Tom said. Bruce said Schendel's/lnterplan will offer a complete service, "from bare walls and floors to furnished space; including lighting, wallcoverings, carpets, drapes and furni, ture." He pointed to the recent rapid growth in the office Changing with the market has kept Schen- dei's Bruce (lett) and Tom Burns ahead of competition in the office turnishings industry. The Burns' recently announced the merger of Schendel's office division with Interpian Business Interiors ot Kitchener. Chronicle photo estimated they would be better off by the end of the year. For I985. unemployment is again the most important issue facing the country. according to the survey. " was mentioned by 61 per cent of respondents. Inflation followed at 16 per cent and concern for the environment at 12 per cent. --_--, An index, developed from a question "focussing on future good times versus bad times, shows that the overall index dropped two points from 108 in last year's survey to 106 for 1985. An index of I00 means as many respondents see good times ahead as those who see bad times. Individual provinces show regional differences. The index is highest in Ontario. standing at 124, moving up five points over 1984. Optimism runs from a low of 58 in British Columbia to the mid Ms in the Prairies and the Maritimes. with Quebec at 112. F3333 GARY WINGER WW Tm Scum 746-1 080 We've got plans that can keep premiums low while your family is young. And still provide coverage you need. Like Allstate's r, or II) year renewable and corr vertible term plan. tho "Gap Closer" Call me, T9se Milt-W - -sdrrt on...” the s.- no you .1- Ivuhbb M. - 'u--- my! 1a,oveetaur 1km My lyahiieiiGd rtiaiG '" iik You need Alla-"lul- Inzmuu it“. ' ~th... ”my"... 1 1M!“ (Idiot- GIVE YOUR VOLVO OUALITY CARE furnishings industry IS another factor leading to the merger. According to Bruce, sales in the office turnishlngs division have grown at a rate of 25 per cent annually in recent years, largely reflecting the Increased use of computers in business. "Because of the computer. people have been converting from the use of freestanding desks. With a computer terminal. a great deal more functional work space is needed." Now, Bruce said, demand is for "work sutiemis", with desks, filing cabinets, computer tables incorporated in a flexible unit; and even the “open-concept" design of the Ttts has been made obsolete. "In a work station. space is better defined and more functional than the open-space design of the mts," explained Tom. 'High technology requires a dittisrent type of furniture . and even the smallest bushes: is thinking computer.'; "The work station has great flexibility and work spaces can be easily altered according to need. Also, because there's less space involved, you can get Tore people into f room." _ Occurring in hand with this, Bruce said, is an increased demand from business for "ergonomic furnishings," or adjustable furniture designed to meet the contours of the human body. "it's turditure that fits the person, rather than the person fitting the furniture," summed up Tom. A - - Established in 1952, Schendel's Stationary was purchased by the Burns in 1974. Four years later, the sale of art and drafting supplies was separated from the King Street retail operation with the opening of the Artstore on Caroline. Then, responding to growth' in the commercial segment of their business, the Bums established a separate office furnishings and supplies division on Regina Street three years ago, - - Schendel‘s/ihterplan will operate out of Schendel's Regina Street office, which is now being renovated to provide increase showroom space. "in summary, it would appear that most Canadians see the country remaining stable over the next year without major changes to their current financial well-being." Murray said. J. Alex Murray. dean of business and economics at Wilfrid Laurier University, and author of the study, said the recent havoc affecting the Canadian dollar and the unpredictable mortgage rates may call for a revision of the economic outlook by many households. The cost of borrowing cuts deeply into purchasing plans for many durables, automobiles and new houses. The employment issue has dominated the economy since the 1983 survey. when inflation fell to second place. 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