Upcoming Trade Shows in Germany for Decorations

Germany’s decorations industry has just come out of a challenging period over the past four years. In 2022, the sector faced significant challenges with the availability of goods and rising costs for materials, transport and services. These increased expenses were transferred to consumers through price hikes, which paradoxically benefited the industry in the form of sales growth. The demand remained stable due to the persistent cocooning trend and the surge in home office setups. However, 2023 painted a different picture. Inflation, rising energy costs and geopolitical tensions severely impacted consumer purchasing power, leading to a notable decline in demand. In contrast, 2024 appears to be a turning point, with all indicators pointing towards a strong comeback. Since 2019, the industry’s turnover has fallen by an average of 0.4% per year. The burden of rising rental and personnel costs, coupled with soaring electricity prices, has further squeezed profit margins. Despite these challenges, there are significant opportunities on the horizon, particularly in the realm of sustainability. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing the environmental compatibility of products, presenting a potential growth avenue for retailers who focus on sustainable goods. The office furniture segment experienced a notable boost during the pandemic, driven by the widespread adoption of remote work. This trend underscores the potential for continued growth in this segment as hybrid work models become more entrenched. Geographically, the central and southern regions of Germany remain hotspots for the decoration industry, thanks to higher numbers of inhabitants, substantial housing stock and greater purchasing power. These factors are critical for establishing and growing businesses in this sector. Large companies have successfully increased their market share in recent years, often at the expense of smaller players. Many smaller firms have exited the market or been acquired by larger competitors. In response, some small companies are forming purchasing associations to enhance their market power and competitiveness.