Feb 14, 2020

Frankfurt trade fairs offer optimistic outlook

The three leading international trade fairs attracted around 84,000 visitors from 163 countries to the Frankfurt exhibition grounds with numerous innovations, unusual product presentations, and a future-oriented complementary program. The slight decline in visitor numbers reflects the ongoing consolidation tendencies on the retail side, but is above all due to the time overlap with the Chinese New Year.

“In addition to the sector-specific future topics, it is the high level of internationality and the outstanding visitor quality that make the trade fair trio an indispensable platform for industry and trade. Our trade fairs bring the global players in the sectors together under one roof; in the digital age, this personal contact is the key to success for the entire consumer goods sector,” said Detlef Braun, member of the management board of Messe Frankfurt.

The trade fair trio’s complementary program picks up on the social mega trends of urbanization, new work and individualization, and positions itself as a valuable source of inspiration with practical and feasible ideas. “Frankfurt’s consumer goods fairs are the most important platforms for our sectors. We as an association, together with Messe Frankfurt, are strategic partners for the retail trade in order to highlight new opportunities in these times of change,” said Thomas Grothkopp, CEO of Handelsverband Wohnen und Büro, the German retail association for home and office furniture.

Retail Shows

Christmasworld, Paperworld, and Creativeworld show what future-oriented models can look like in the concept areas Retail BLVD, Future Office, and Future Learning along with Urban Art Lab: Education. The educational programs and the exhibitors’ innovations attract visitors from all over the world to Frankfurt.

“Above all else, the good mood among retailers and the high level of internationality and visitor quality make us optimistic for the new business year,” said Dr. Rüdiger Kress, owner of Artebene. And it is not just the internationality that is impressive but also the visitor structure: 76% are from top management.

Sustainable, elegant, and familial trends

The desire in society for greater sustainability plays a major role across all three fairs. Natural materials, recycled products or a reference to resource-saving production are everywhere to be found in the exhibition halls. At the same time, end users want high-quality materials with a high-quality finish.

In combination with dark shades of blue and green as well as enhancements with gold accents, this trend lends an elegant touch to products and displays. Also popular is personal appreciation, expressed through gifts that have been designed individually. Generally, the themes of giving and celebrating in connection with family sociability play a major role. Enjoying together, celebrating parties, and sharing special moments are becoming increasingly important as a counterbalance to the digital world.

2021 Show Dates

• Christmasworld: Jan. 29-Feb. 2, 2021
• Paperworld and Creativeworld: Jan. 30-Feb. 2, 2021

For more information, visit www.messefrankfurt.com