Next January’s imm Cologne exhibition has been cancelled.
Organiser Koelnmesse said the decision had been made in the face of falling demand in the German domestic market and German manufacturers reducing spending.
‘Pausing the imm cologne at this point in time is a logical decision, in view of the situation the industry currently finds itself in,’ says Gerald Böse, Koelnmesse chairman. ‘It was an extremely difficult decision to make, but it was also unavoidable in order to show our international customers some consideration. Due to its January date, imm cologne did not take place three years in a row during the pandemic. This lack of continuity, coupled with the current economic environment, makes it impossible for us as event organisers to guarantee an attractive range of exhibitors for the retailers in Cologne in January 2025.
‘We still intend to offer the furniture industry an international stage in Germany in future. We are already jointly developing very promising concepts that meet the changed requirements of all stakeholders as best as can be. Koelnmesse is the world’s number one in interiors, as impressively proven by Orgatec, interzum and spoga+gafa. We must now steer our flagship back on course, together with the furniture industry.’
According to the Association of the German Furniture Industry, the German furniture market recorded a significant fall in turnover in 2023, as well as in the first six months of 2024. It dropped by 9.7% including a 11.2% fall for upholstery.
‘I understand the decision to skip next January’s trade fair, and I’m sorry that the industry did not lend better support to its leading international trade fair. The imm cologne has been an important meeting place for the industry for decades. By taking a break next year, we will not only lose a central platform for innovation and exchange, but also an important stage for serving the international market. All of the industry’s stakeholders are now urgently tasked with getting together and finding joint solutions. More than ever before, we must now concentrate on securing and strengthening our position. The industry needs a strong platform like imm cologne in order to restructure itself in a way that ensures its future viability,’ says Markus Meyer, German Furniture and Kitchen Retailers Association president.
‘We’re extremely sorry to be skipping imm cologne, but ultimately, this is a necessary, and the right step,’ says Leo Lübke, Association of the German Furniture Industry president. ‘Like many other industries, the furniture market has also changed considerably over the past few years – and along with this the demand for trade fairs. Unfortunately, the industry’s current situation is forcing many companies to change course. As an industry, we are working intensely with Koelnmesse on the development of new concepts tailor-made specifically for the individual furniture segments. As Europe’s largest furniture nation, we need our central industry shows, and believe in the Cologne venue’s furniture expertise.’
