As well as a plethora of fresh product, visitors walking the corridors of last month’s Brussels Furniture Fair enjoyed a positive atmosphere, as Meubelbeurs pulled the trade into “a bubble brimming with positivity, where even today’s challenges were temporarily a thing of the past”, says the show’s MD, Glenn De Maeseneer …
After getting the ball rolling in a mid-pandemic 2021, Belgium’s classy furniture showcase returned to Brussels in force last month, providing a timely and valuable (particularly given imm cologne’s postponement) opportunity to browse the latest lines from many of Europe’s top brands.
“Doing good business usually means a bright future, so let that be the feeling with which the majority of exhibitors and visitors left the fair,” says Glenn.
From the show’s impressive entrance to breathtaking displays, trend showcases, dedicated sleep sector area and inviting hospitality areas, Brussels Furniture Fair reiterated its well-deserved place on the international scene, sharing the best of Benelux and beyond in sophisticated, well-appinted surrounds.
“Attractive stands, clever decorations and many new collections came next,” Glenn continues, “in what many described as an inspiring visit, characterised by originality, beauty and elegance. But above all, exhibitors reaped the rewards of their hard work and investment by doing good business – because, of course, that’s still the fair’s core purpose. Although the majority of exhibitors reported fewer orders being placed than during the post-coronavirus edition, the results still far exceeded expectations.”
The fair featured 215 exhibitors (47 more than in 2021), and enjoyed an even greater international footprint. UK and Ireland visitor numbers increased +244.5% YoY (to 503), accounting for just over 3% of the whole – with anecdotal evidence from the floor suggesting a good number of UK buyers in attendance. Overall visitor attendance was up +8%.
“As we have often said, the Brussels Furniture Fair would like to become a meeting point for all the players that have a place in the furniture market,” says Glenn. “On the floorplan, we noted an uptick in exhibitors with a contract marking, and there was a also a (slight) rise in the number of visitors for that market. Contract is clearly a segment with a future, which certainly has its place in Brussels. This will be continued – as will ‘Bubble Up Your Store’, the new platform for the exhibitors of the furniture store of tomorrow.”
Other features included pure design, a showcase of young and established designers, and the presentation of the Balthazar Awards.
The 2023 edition will return to Brussels Expo from 5-8th November. Glenn concludes: “We look forward to seeing you again next year!”
