Koelnmesse, in collaboration with the Association of the German Furniture Industry (VDM) and the German Furniture and Kitchen Retailers Association (BVDM), has announced the cancellation of the January 2025 edition of imm cologne. The decision follows extensive discussions and reflects the ongoing difficulties faced by the furniture sector, particularly in Germany, where declining domestic demand and economic strain have prompted companies to reassess their spending.
The VDM’s latest industry figures reveal significant downturns in turnover, with a 9.7% drop across all furniture categories in 2023, and a sharper 11.2% decline in the upholstered furniture segment. This has contributed to the reduction in both employment and the number of companies within the sector.
VDM president Leo Lübke commented on the decision, stating: “We’re extremely sorry to be skipping the imm cologne, but ultimately, this is a necessary, and the right step. The industry’s current situation is forcing many companies to change course, and we are working with Koelnmesse to develop new concepts tailored to specific furniture segments.”
BVDM president Markus Meyer echoed this sentiment: “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.” However, he stressed that the industry’s stakeholders must come together to secure a strong future for trade fairs in the furniture sector.
Koelnmesse’s chairman, Gerald Böse, noted that the decision, while difficult, was necessary given the economic landscape and the inability to guarantee a strong exhibitor presence. However, he remains optimistic about the future, stating: “We are already jointly developing very promising concepts that meet the changed requirements of all stakeholders as best as can be.” He reaffirmed Koelnmesse’s commitment to providing the furniture industry with a global stage in Germany through its renowned events like ORGATEC, interzum, and spoga+gafa.
