Despite challenging economic conditions, Sweden's Gothenburg Furniture Fair, which concluded last Thursday, reported " a bustling atmosphere".
This year's fair, now extended to three days, saw significantly more visitors, more exhibitors, and a larger exhibition area compared to the previous year, states the show's organiser.
The show was organised for the second time by the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre, in collaboration with MIBO, Sweden's Furniture and Interior Companies' Trade Association.
This year's fair attracted 1792 trade visitors, an increase of +46% YoY. A total of 68 exhibitors were present, one more than last year, and many had invested in larger booths. The total exhibition area also expanded.
There was a significant presence of exhibitors and visitors from Norway, Denmark, and Finland, which strengthens the fair's position as a Nordic meeting place.
Jacob Ryder, the fair's business manager, says: "We are very pleased with the positive outcome, which was by no means a given. We are aware that the deteriorating economy hits non-essential retail particularly hard, and the furniture industry is a part of that.”
New this year was a seminar initiative, which took place from an open stage on the fair floor. "Among other things, the interior designer and author Frida Ramstedt drew a full house with a lecture on furniture knowledge and interior design. It was highly appreciated, and we will develop the stage programme for next year," says Jacob.
The fair reflected current trends, both modern and classic, with a focus on home furnishings, lighting, and interior details, he adds: "We experienced that exhibitors were consistently very satisfied – several have already booked space for next year. Additionally, we have gained a number of new exhibitors among the visitors to this year's fair, entrepreneurs who have previously exhibited at other fairs. This is somewhat unusual and a sign that the furniture fair continues to grow - very positively, of course!”
