both Canadian and international vendor partners who share the same values and understand
“There are eclectic ways to shop. People start online with brands, products and price points. Narrow things down: bed or sofa and sectional,” she says. “After that, I definitely recommend going into the store.” By being in the store, Smithson says customers can see when something is offered in more than one colour or what the sofa looks like when turned into a sectional. At the same time, they can experience all the various covers and finishes. Canadian-owned and oper- ated since 1986, the family-run Dufresne enterprise has grown from one store to a thriving brand with 15 locations across Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan. “My role at Dufresne is not just about buying,” Smithson says. “We manage the life cycle of every product we buy through advertising, marketing, inven- tory, pricing and promotions. It’s about sourcing products from
what consumers need.” Keeping up with furniture
trends can be challenging but Smithson continues to see the return of interest in styles from decades ago. “They circle back, like bell-bot- toms,” she says, citing the popular wide-leg pants from the ‘60s and ‘70s. “Fabric that would have been featured on a more traditional- style sofa in the ‘80s — fluffy and fuzzy — is doing well in more contemporary designs today. There is a resurgence in soft plush fabric — chenille, soft and cozy on sleeker- looking products. Customers want it be soft.” Demands for certain colours change over time as well. Colour shades with char- acteristics from decades ago come back for a while and then change again.
Jessica Smithson joined Dufresne in 2018 and is currently their senior category
manager for seating and home accents.
PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY
FALL 2025 PARADE of HOMES 31
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