Imm cologne and LivingKitchen 2013, set to be a big success

In several respects, Germany can be described as the country for furniture – as is also reflected in the development of the imm cologne. The event has returned to its former strength and has been reporting a steady increase in attendance figures since 2009. This is due on the one hand to a trade fair platform that has proved its worth and on the other to the stable economic situation and high demand for furnishings within the Federal Republic.   

“For many years now, this trade fair has been an absolute must, even if there are a few weaker years behind us,” explains Frank Haubold, Vice President Trade Fair Management at Koelnmesse. “In 2012, we were once again able to welcome a lot of first-time exhibitors to the imm cologne – young, up-and-coming companies who saw their presence at the trade fair as a way of gaining a stronger foothold in Germany and Europe. But it wasn’t only new providers who came to Cologne: a lot of firmly established manufacturers returned as well – precisely because the German furniture show enjoys such a good reputation and, in recent years, has been able to improve its standing even further.”

Translated into figures, this means an increase from 948 exhibiting companies in 2009 to no fewer than 1,159 this year. In addition, the number of visitors grew by 15% to approx. 115,000 in the same period.   

In 2012, all the relevant German furniture brands exhibited their products in Cologne, with foreign brand-name producers using the trade fair platform to ensure the year got off to a good start as well. A similar picture is already emerging for the next show: the preparations for the imm cologne 2013 are in full swing and virtually all of this year’s exhibitors have already confirmed their return.

“Even though it’s only three months since the imm cologne 2012, we’re already focusing on the next edition of the trade fair. And it’s the same with our exhibitors: many of them have already started planning for next year. I am confident that, in January 2013, we will again be celebrating a veritable furniture festival here in Cologne,” says Haubold. “On top of that, LivingKitchen will be held parallel to the furniture show again in 2013, and the number of registrations we’ve received so far has already exceeded our targets. As a result it looks as if, for the first time in years, we’ll be completely booked out – right down to the furthest corner of every hall.”  

* Para más información:www.imm-cologne.com