Improving economic prospects and falling interest rates have sparked significant confidence within the furniture sector.
“This is clear to see with the upcoming fair, which has attracted more exhibitors than ever before, many of whom are making major investments,” states George Makdessi of industry organisation MIBO, which is a co-organiser of Gothenburg Furniture Fair.
More than 80 companies will be exhibiting at Gothenburg Furniture Fair, taking place this year on 16–18 September at the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre. As a point of comparison, last year’s record-breaking fair attracted 68 exhibitors and almost 1,800 industry attendees.
“Things are looking fantastic. Virtually all the floor space for exhibitors is sold out,” states George Makdessi, chair of MIBO, the Furniture and Interiors Business Association, which is organising the trade fair in collaboration with the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre.
“Gothenburg Furniture Fair has grown year on year, cementing its status within the sector. Today, it is the leading Scandinavian trade fair serving the home furniture and furnishings sector.”
Desire to invest is growing
The lengthy slump in business over recent years has hit the infrequently purchased goods industry, including the furniture sector, hard. However, the situation is now changing fast.
“Things are certainly moving in the right direction. Interest rate reductions are having a big impact on furniture industry customers’ desire to invest,” explains George.
He believes that this autumn will mark a turning point and that 2025 could be an excellent year for the sector.
This growing optimism is reflected not least in the investments many exhibitors are making at Gothenburg Furniture Fair: lavish and larger stands with more extensive ranges.
Impressively extensive offerings expected
This year’s fair is set to be comprehensive, featuring all kinds of furniture, interior furnishings, textiles and lighting solutions. New trends will be sharing the floor with timeless classics.
“Our exhibitors have done their homework and are truly outdoing themselves when it comes to developing product innovations, which will, in turn, help take the fair to the next level. This is what really sets the wheels in motion and draws in the visitors,” says George Makdessi.
Alongside the exhibition itself, this year’s visitors can also enjoy an inspirational stage programme spanning all days of the fair.
Industry profiles, interior design experts and innovators will be sharing everything from trend analyses and thoughts on topical issues to do with sustainability and circular solutions, to the philosophy behind Scandinavian design.
Visitors from throughout the Nordic region
George Makdessi is keen to highlight that interest in attending the fair is growing year on year, including among attendees from Denmark, Norway and Finland:
“We’re attracting more and more retailers looking to fill their shops, both from Sweden and from the wider Nordic region. We are also seeing growing numbers of attendees from closely related segments within the sector.”
The fair’s attendees also include potential future exhibitors.
“We see visitors from our Nordic neighbours coming to find out what we’re all about, being positively surprised by their experience, and opting to exhibit themselves next year. A number of this year’s exhibitors are prime examples of this trend, and we are, of course, delighted to have them join us!”
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