Pandemic continues to hit exhibitions

from Interiors Monthly February 2021

Mixed fortunes for furniture and flooring sales

No JFS or Heimtextil in 2021

The January Furniture Show organiser has abandoned its efforts to hold the show in April, instead reverting to its traditional January date next year.

Clarion Events had hoped to hold the event at the NEC from 25-28 April. Now this will not happen, with the next JFS scheduled for 23-26 January 2022.

‘While this has of course been a difficult decision, the safety and success of our exhibitors, visitors and suppliers remains our number one priority. The uncertainty surrounding live events that comes with the current national lockdown, combined with the expected timeline of the Covid-19 vaccine rollout, means that postponing the show to its traditional January slot in 2022 is the best decision at this stage,’ says Zoë Bonser, Clarion Events portfolio director.

‘Whilst we are all missing physical shows, opportunities to do great business are still abundant. We are thrilled to be in the testing stages of a new offering that will meet the needs of our audience in the absence of live events and continue to complement them once they return.

‘Having been busy researching and listening to the needs of our customers, JFS will continue to be the place for the furniture industry. We plan to connect with all our customers to discuss these exciting opportunities in the coming weeks, and we are looking forward to announcing more detail soon.’

Meanwhile Messe Frankfurt has cancelled exhibitions it rescheduled to April and May, including Heimtextil (pictured).

In September the show organiser said it was postponing all shows in the first quarter of 2021, and would hold them later. Now these have been cancelled, with Messe Frankfurt saying further postponement would not help exhibitors.

Heimtextil will now take place from 11-14 January 2022, with Ambiente from 11-15 February 2022.

Domotex, AIS opt for online alternatives

Domotex has been cancelled as a physical and online event, instead replaced by a digital day.

The flooring exhibition had previously been moved from its usual January timing to 18-20 May, as a mixture of online and traditional features at Hannover. This has been abandoned for a Domotex Digital Day on 20 May.

The conference format ‘will address current topics with top representatives of the industry, and provide an interactive business platform. Exhibitors will be able to present their products and innovations, and embrace business, networking and connecting. The opportunities for participation will be in our online store soon,’ says Sonia Wedell-Castellano, Domotex global show director.

Meanwhile, AIS’s planned online version of its Furniture Show has been pushed back to March. The event replaces its established exhibition at Cranmore Park.

‘Since the introduction of the third UK lockdown, we have taken time to review the feasibility of the show with AIS members and suppliers. As a result, we feel the best course is to defer, says Julian Cox, AIS director of furniture.

The new dates are: 15-28 March (AIS members) and 22-28 March (non-members).

Oak Furnitureland has named Mike Coupe, former Sainsbury’s chief executive as chairman.

Loaf has appointed David Meredith, former John Lewis head of operations as operations director.

Foam producer GNG Group has promoted Darren Potterton, healthcare division md to group md. Philip Whittell has moved to be chairman of the group.

UK Flooring Direct has hired Sean Lawe, former Specsavers group supply chain director as coo.

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