IMM Cologne closes its 2011 edition with an increase that exceeds all expectations. 138,000 professional buyers and private visitors from 128 countries in 6 days, that is 38% more than in 2010. This double-digit success confirms Cologne as a beacon to the global furniture industry. According to the organizers this was the best fair of the last decade. More visitors, more contracts signed and a very good mood. “An excellent start to the 2011 furniture year for our national furniture industry and a huge success for Koelnmesse” says CEO Gerald Böse. With three halls fully booked and more than 40,000 sq.m. of exhibiting space, LivingKitchen is the biggest and most comprehensive kitchen show ever to be held in Germany.

Almost 200 exhibitors and an extraordinary supporting programme allowed visitors to experience top-class infotainment and entertainment on all six days of the fair and there are expectations for the sequel in 2013. 1,213 companies from 48 countries were attending the two fairs, with foreign companies accounting for 54% of exhibitors. More than 100,000 pieces of furniture and even more interior design items on a space of approx. 300,000 m². Around one third of products on show was totally new. Running for the 22nd time, the Passagen Interior Design Week had this year an exciting program of more than 190 events and exhibitions on design, living and lifestyle – with a special focus on interior design – that took place in showrooms, galleries, furniture stores, cultural institutions, museums and universities.

In addition to furniture, accessories, lighting, and materials, the cultural dimension of “kitchens” was special guest this year. The Furniture Mile on the Ring boulevard was back again with new showrooms, as well as  internationally-noted furniture stores and flagship stores in new splendor: Pesch Wohnen with highlights from Jan Kath and others, Cor+Interlübke, Wohnambiente, Intact-Bad, Giorgetti, Gottfried Becker-Wohnen, Natuzzi, Poliform at Die Einrichter, and Bretz with Alcantara at room rules cologne – to name just a few.