Looking good for imm cologne: according to the European Consumption Barometer 2009, a study by Dresdner-Cetelem Kreditbank, Germany remains Europe’s largest sub-market for the furniture industry with an estimated market volume of 27 billion euros. Whilst sales have decreased slightly in Europe as a whole, in Germany they have stayed at the same level as in the previous financial year.
Purchasing intentions in Germany remain fairly stable, far above the European average, and are also a positive signal for the current year. Overall, Germany is Europe’s largest sub-market for items of furniture. The British and Italian markets lag some distance behind in terms of market volume. Similarly, the Germans were also able to claim the largest furnishing budget per household for the year 2008. German citizens invested 680 euros on average in sofas and kitchen tables. British households came in second with an average of 663 euros. The Italians were soundly beaten, investing far less money in furnishings with an average of 559 euros.
“Anyone wanting to earn money through furniture turns to Germany, and imm cologne is the biggest event in this market. Trade fairs like imm cologne set the signals for our future economic success”, says Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse. “With the changes in the German trade fair calendar, imm cologne is the only option for companies wishing to present themselves and theirproducts in Germany at a trade fair before spring 2010″, adds Udo Traeger, director of the division Furniture, Interior Design and Textiles at Koelnmesse.
