Canadian Furniture Industry Expert Michael Knell has Died

It is with great sadness that we announce Michael John Knell, a pinnacle of the furniture industry, has died.

Knell had been a fixture on the Canadian home goods scene for more than 35 years, 25 of which he spent as Canadian bureau chief for Furniture Today.

In 2005, he launched Home Goods Online, followed by associated quarterly publication Home Goods Merchandiser in 2011, to serve as the voice of the Canadian furniture, mattress and major appliance industries.

In addition to being Home Goods Online’s founding publisher and editor, Knell wrote for several North American publications, including Floor Covering Weekly, the Globe & Mail, Toronto Star, Ottawa Citizen, Canadian Interiors and Interior Design, among others.

As an acknowledged expert on the big-ticket home goods industries, with unmatched knowledge on everything from manufacturing and distribution to retail, he was also often consulted by other media outlets about its condition and potential.

In fall 2023, Knell partnered with MediaEdge to ensure the continued success of his legacy work, Home Goods Online and Home Goods Merchandiser, as he moved into retirement.

Outside of work, Knell was an active member of his community. He was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship by the Rotary Club of Brighton, for his substantial fundraising contributions for global and local charities.

Knell passed away July 10, succumbing to complications from Ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic inflammatory disease.

He is survived by his wife Cynthia, son Matthew, daughters Corrie-Ann and Shannon, and grandchildren Charly, Jorgia, Nolan and Archer.

As per his wishes, there will be no formal service. In lieu of this, donations may be made to the Rotary Club of Canada or Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation in his memory.