imm cologne 2025 has been canceled: International furniture fair takes a break in January

In a surprising decision, the organizers of the international furniture fair imm cologne have announced that the January 2025 edition will no longer take place. The decision was made after intensive discussions between Koelnmesse, the Association of the German Furniture Industry (VDM) and the German Association of Furniture and Kitchen Merchants (BVDM).

Background to the decision

The main reason for this pause is the difficult situation facing the furniture industry, especially in Germany. According to the latest figures provided by VDM, the market has seen a significant drop in turnover in 2023 and the first half of 2024:

- A fall of 9,7% for all types of furniture
- A fall of 11,2% for upholstered furniture

In addition, the number of employees and companies in the sector is falling.

Industry reactions

Leo LübkeVDM President, said: "We extremely regret skipping imm cologne, but in the end, this is a necessary and correct step." He pointed out that the furniture market has changed considerably in recent years, and the demand for trade fairs has changed accordingly.

Markus Meyer, president of BVDM, also expressed his sympathy with the decision, underlining the importance of imm cologne as a central platform for innovation and exchange in the industry.

Future plans

Gerald BöseKoelnmesse's Chairman of the Management Board, said the pause was a logical decision given the current state of the industry. However, he emphasized Koelnmesse's commitment to continue to offer the furniture industry an international stage in Germany. He also mentioned that the organizers are already working on the development of new and promising concepts to meet the changed requirements of all stakeholders.

Implications for industry

This break gives everyone involved a chance to work together to develop new, more viable event formats for the future. It is a time of reflection and rethinking for the mobile industry as it adapts to new market realities.

For the international community of wood lovers and industry professionals, this break is an opportunity to explore new ways to connect and innovate outside the traditional trade fair setting.

It remains to be seen how the situation will evolve and what new formats will emerge from this period of transformation for imm cologne and the furniture industry in general.