The International Furniture Fair Singapore 2014/31st ASEAN Furniture Show (IFFS/AFS 2014), The Decor Show 2014 and Hospitality 360° concluded recently with its record high for a decade.
A total of 418 exhibitors from 33 countries participated in the trilogy of shows this year. The combined shows welcomed 22,496 trade visitors and 97 international buying delegations from 115 countries, an 8% increase of visitors over the last edition. Spot orders with a value of S$483m (around £230m) were transacted at the fair, with additional follow-on sales expected to exceed S$5.85b.
Raymond Davids, CEO/founder of d-Bodhi (Singapore), says: “IFFS 2014 marks our 7th year of successful co-operation between d-Bodhi and the IFFS. Over the years, d-Bodhi has achieved international recognition and built an established network across the globe, as well as culminated in our best response yet in this edition. We have witnessed once more the dedication, professionalism and passion of the IFFS team, which we believe mirrors the drive and spirit of the d-Bodhi family.”
Vincent Destailleur, whose company Habitat (France) was participating at IFFS for the first time, agrees: “We wanted to expand our distribution in Asia, and IFFS proved to be the perfect platform. With the signature of a Master-Franchise contract for Asia Pacific with a well-known Singapore major furniture player, our first regional flagship store in Singapore will be open this November. We will definitely be back for IFFS/AFS 2015!”
A strong turnout from the ASEAN countries and Asia, as well as the strong influx of globally-renowned brands coupled with the enthusiastic participation and support from the various country pavilions, also resulted in visitors enjoying a rich mix of visual displays at the Singapore Expo.
In design terms, SingaPlural 2014, the concurrent design event, boasted the theme We Got Intimate with Design, which took centre stage at IFFS/AFS. It included design elements from SingaPlural @ IFFS, which featured the Asian STAR Showcase, International Designer Showcase, Young Guns – The Young Designers Showcase, Furniture Design Platform, D’Space, Green Pavilion, Tokyo Avant-Garde 90’s, the myriad exhibits from members of Design & Objects and the French Furniture Industries - GEM.
The Green Pavilion, curated by award-winning Jarrod Lim, also proved a hit with visitors.
Markus Raipio, vice-president, APAC Region of VividWorks (Finland), says: “I was really impressed with the Asian STAR Showcase and Young Guns - The Young Designers Showcase segments. It is heart-warming to see the industry being so supportive of young talents and giving them the recognition that they deserve for their distinguished achievements.”
Other aspects of the third edition of SingaPlural 2014 also concluded with a sensational note on 16th March. Held in and around the city, SingaPlural 2014 reached out to members of the public through installations and exclusively-curated design spaces, symposiums, competitions and other activities.
Ernie Koh, chairman of IFFS Pte Ltd and president of Singapore Furniture Industries Council, comments: “IFFS/AFS is constantly evolving to address the needs of the furniture and furnishings industry and will continue to play an important role in bridging local companies to the global marketplace as the furniture industry in South-east Asia continues to grow. With a number of exhibitors already confirming their interest to exhibit at next year’s edition, IFFS/AFS, The Decor Show and Hospitality 360° is expected to draw in more exhibitors and visitors in 2015!”
The next edition will be held from 13-16th March 2015 at Singapore Expo.
