Möbelmässan, the Gothenburg Furniture Fair, was extremely busy despite the tough economic environment. This year’s fair, now extended to three days, ended on Thursday. It attracted significantly more visitors and more exhibitors, and covered more floor space than last year. And business was done, lots of business.
“The level of interest was enormous. We have sold really well,” says Johan Englesson of the furniture company Englesson, which exhibited for the first time in Gothenburg.
Möbelmässan, the Gothenburg Furniture Fair, is a trade show focused purely on purchasing. This year it was organised for the second time under the auspices of the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre, in collaboration with MIBO, the Swedish Furniture and Interior Design Association. After three intensive days, from 12 to14 September, the fair reported a clear increase in attendance.
This year’s fair attracted 1,792 trade visitors, an increase of 46 per cent compared to last year! 68 exhibitors were present, one more than last year, and many had invested in larger stands. The total exhibition space also increased. Among both exhibitors and visitors there was a significant proportion from Norway, Denmark and Finland, which strengthens the fair’s position as a Nordic meeting place.
Jacob Ryder is the business manager for the fair: “We are very pleased with the positive outcome, which was by no means a foregone conclusion. We know that the economic downturn is hitting the durable goods trade, of which the furniture industry is a part, particularly hard.”
New this year was the seminar programme from an open stage on the exhibition floor. For example, interior designer and author Frida Ramstedt drew a full house with a lecture on furniture knowledge and interior design. “It was greatly 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 flat-pack and upholstered furniture for the home, as well as lighting and interior design details.
“We found that the exhibitors were generally very satisfied, and several have already booked a place for next year,” says Jacob Ryder.
“We also have a number of new exhibitors among the visitors at this year’s fair, entrepreneurs who have previously exhibited at other fairs. This is rather unusual and a sign that Möbelmässan continues to grow – very positive, of course!” he adds.
This is what some exhibitors thought about the Möbelmässan, the Gothenburg Furniture Fair:
Johan Englesson, owner, Englesson:
“This was fun! We have sold really well and are very satisfied. We are based in Stockholm, and this was the first time we exhibited in Gothenburg. In fact, we haven’t exhibited at a fair in the past 15 years, as we’ve focused on other types of marketing. We didn’t have any great expectations for the fair, so I was surprised by the interest: we’ve been busy on the stand and made a lot of deals. We showed our series of upholstered furniture and display cabinets. Of particular interest was our ‘TV Lift’, an innovative concept where the screen is concealed in a stylish bureau type of dresser and raised when it’s time to use it. We have already decided to attend the Gothenburg Furniture Fair again next year.”
Jonas Törnqwist, Sales Manager Sweden, Hjort Knudsen:
“A fantastic fair! And very good that it was extended from two to three days this year. We had the same high-intensity footfall on the stand, the difference being that this year we were able to meet all the customers, which we didn’t have time to do last year. This year we presented several innovations, including a new sheepskin concept and a new sofa, called Prime. The interest was huge. We have signed a lot of orders and in cases where we have not signed, we received very good feedback. So we have a lot of work to do after the fair. Of course we will be back next year.”
Ketil F. Hansen, Sales Manager, Sacco of Norway:
“We make the original, the classic Sacco bag, created in 1968. At the fair, we showed bags in several exciting textiles, colours, patterns and sizes. There are many copies on the market, but they can’t be called Sacco and they don’t have the same comfort. Buyers from furniture chains and independent stores from all over Sweden came to our stand. We met with a lot of interest and are hopeful that we can establish partnerships with more retailers.”
…and here’s what some visitors thought:
Emilie Furbo, Furbo ApS, Denmark:
“We have an online shop and are at the fair to buy different types of furniture and lamps. I’m impressed by the range of products at the fair. Especially the classic, beautiful fabric lampshades, which we don’t have in Denmark.”
Annelie Ogestad Jakobson, Tofta Möbel, Gotland:
“A very nice fair, and very busy! The fair just gets better and better, the extension to three fair days is great for us buyers; now you have time to look around properly.”
Maria Lüppert, Lüpperts Mattor, Gothenburg:
“It feels like the fair has broadened its range, both in terms of furniture and carpets, which is our main focus. There are a lot of interesting things to look at here.”
Want to know more? Contact Jacob Ryder, Business Manager for the Gothenburg Furniture Fair, Tel +46 (0)31-708 80 29, jacob.ryder@svenskamassan.se. For more information, visit www.mobelmassan.com
