Successful Relaunch for EISENWARENMESSE – INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR in Cologne

September 29, 2022

After more than four years, the EISENWARENMESSE – INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR 2022 has celebrated a successful comeback in Cologne, Germany. About 1,400 exhibitors from 50 countries took advantage of the opportunity to present their products and innovations to the entire hardware industry again. The spectrum of products presented ranged from tools and accessories to building and DIY supplies all the way through to fasteners, fixings and fittings.

After four successful days of trade fair activity from September 25-28, the EISENWARENMESSE – INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR 2022 has closed its doors in Cologne. With around 25,000 trade visitors from 125 countries, the event returned after a 4.5-year enforced break and immediately confirmed its importance as the number one trade fair for the international hardware industry.

“The sense of relief at finally being able to meet face to face again after such a long time and do business in person could be clearly felt among all our exhibitors and trade visitors throughout the entire trade fair,” said Oliver Frese, chief operating officer of Koelnmesse GmbH. “You had the feeling that a big family was getting together again after a long time apart.”

“The trade fair was a success, especially in the context of the ongoing travel restrictions in Asia, the acute energy and raw materials crisis, and the geopolitical situation in many countries. The feedback from our exhibitors about the business contacts they’ve made is positive across the board. Clearly, companies made a strategic decision to attend the EISENWARENMESSE – INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR—the decision makers were here,” commented Oliver Frese.

In cooperation with the manufacturers’ association Haus & Garten, Koelnmesse presented its 56 DIY suppliers with an exhibition area covering a total length of 272 metres, which had been fully booked long before the opening of the event. The DIY Boulevard offered manufacturers the unique experience of being able to design the POS in line with their branding with an authentic display of their merchandise as well as the chance to make direct contact with end customers.

The digital transformation does not stop at the hardware industry. The EISENWARENMESSE – INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR has followed this development closely. With the eCommerce area, it provided the ideal platform for both finding and showcasing digital solutions. The spectrum of products and services ranged from shop systems and electronic payment systems to data storage and processing all the way through to search engine optimization. The content of the eCommerce area was curated by major names including eBay, OTTO, DHL, Facebook and Shopware.

John Herbert, general secretary of the European DIY Retail Association (EDRA) and the Global Home Improvement Network (GHIN) said, “The EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair is the most important platform for our industry. It’s both a barometer of trends and a trendsetter. In other words, it’s the networking platform for the global hardware trade. I’m very happy to be in Cologne, meeting so many colleagues from all over the world.”

Wolfgang Kirchhoff, chairman of the advisory board of the EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair, stated, “The EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair Cologne is still the industry’s number-one event, where most of its innovations are presented. It’s the trade fair with the strongest international profile, even though many visitors and exhibitors from Asia have been unable to attend due to the pandemic.”

Paul Samms, director of licensing at Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., said, “We’re over the moon to be back at the EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair after a break of more than four years. Our international customers have told us that they travelled to Cologne for the trade fair especially because of us. The EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair is the ideal place to tap into new areas of the market and find new retailers.”

The next EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair Cologne will be held March 3-6, 2024.