IMM Cologne 2027

Markus Schlosser

Sales Manager Pure, Home

Markus Majerus

Press contact

Karin Pollerhoff

Press contact

Sarah Kuna

Public and Media Relations Manager

Celina Fuhrmann

Public and Media Relations Manager

Muriel Détrie

Project Assistant

What's on

Programme

Topic tracks

Global SourcingRetail Furniture

Awards

Pure Talents Contest

Annual

International design competition for up-and-coming designers, organised by imm cologne. Students and young professionals (up to five years in business) submit creative entries. The contest provides a launchpad into the industry, with nominees given the opportunity to exhibit their designs at imm cologne

Best Item (individual Products)Best System (systems)Best Detail (detail Solutions)Lifestyle and Home Living in a Circular Society

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Interior Innovation Award

Annual

Award for innovative and outstandingly designed products from all areas of the interior furnishings industry, presented by imm cologne in cooperation with the German Design Council (Rat für Formgebung). Considered one of the most renowned design awards in the interior furnishing industry worldwide. Five products are honoured with the 'Best of the Best' title and receive a prize sculpture

Best of the BestFurnitureAccessoriesTextilesLighting

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How the last edition performed

Previous edition

Current edition

2027 · 10,000 visitors · 339 exhibitors

At the end of the early-bird period on 30 April 2026, the planned gross exhibition space for imm cologne 2027 was approximately 63,500 square metres — just under 60 per cent of the space occupied at the previous edition and roughly three times larger than at a comparable point the previous year. Registered companies came from a total of twelve countries. No exhibitor or visitor count forecasts have been published for 2027

Forecast — not final

Visitors

10,000

Exhibitors

339

Floor area (sqm)

53,000

Exhibitor countries

Visitor countries

104

Growth over time

Edition recap

imm cologne 2026 took place from 20 to 23 January 2026 at Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany, marking a relaunch with a clear sourcing focus and a market-oriented B2B format. Under the theme 'World of Interiors,' the fair served as the central meeting place for the international furniture industry.

339 exhibitors from 28 countries presented home furniture in the entry-level to mid-range segment, impressing around 10,000 trade visitors from 104 countries. More than 57 per cent of trade visitors came from abroad. Chinese companies dominated the exhibitor field with 252 exhibitors. The event occupied approximately 53,000 square metres of exhibition space across three halls — a significant reduction from the pre-pandemic events that once filled 12 halls.

Visitors particularly appreciated the quality of discussions and the opportunity to place orders. The new concept proved itself as a reliable start to the year for the industry. Key visiting companies included ALDI, Amazon, IKEA, XXXLutz, and Zurbrüggen Wohn-Zentrum. The strongest European visitor groups came from Belgium, France, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.

Matthias Pollmann, Vice President Trade Fair Management at Koelnmesse, summarised: 'In a challenging market environment, efficiency is what matters most. imm cologne 2026 created exactly the focused B2B sourcing stage for this: quick orientation, targeted procurement, new contacts. Exhibitors and trade visitors used the format accordingly.'

New this edition

1
Global Sourcing sub-brand
A dedicated B2B marketplace in Hall 11.1 connecting international manufacturers and suppliers with European furniture buyers. Covers OEM/ODM production, private-label and contract manufacturing, new product and collection development, sourcing and global supply chains
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2
Retail Furniture sub-brand
A dedicated segment in Hall 10.2 for store-ready furniture, market-ready collections and design-led furnishing solutions in the entry-level to mid-price range. Brings manufacturers and brands together with buying groups and decision-makers from physical and online European furniture retailers
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3
Two clearly divided hall areas connected by trade fair boulevard
The 2027 edition marks the first visible implementation of imm cologne's updated brand architecture, with Global Sourcing and Retail Furniture operating as distinct sub-brands under the imm cologne identity. The two segments are housed in separate halls (10.2 and 11.1) centrally connected by the trade fair boulevard
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Testimonials

imm cologne 2026 has shown how important it is to adapt event formats to market conditions. We're grateful to exhibitors and visitors for the trust they have placed in us. It has given us the encouragement we need to continue developing the trade fair's profile for 2027
Bernd Sanden · Director of imm cologne · Koelnmesse GmbH · 2026

In a challenging market environment, efficiency is what counts above all. This is exactly why we've created a focused B2B sourcing platform with imm cologne 2026: an event where visitors can quickly gain an overview, make strategic purchasing decisions and establish new contacts. And that is exactly what exhibitors and trade visitors used the event for
Matthias Pollmann · Vice President Trade Fair Management · Koelnmesse GmbH · 2026

Cologne is the ideal location for a trade fair for us: excellent transport connections and an attractive venue for our global customers. Deciding to participate in imm cologne in 2026 was definitely the right move for us: We've established valuable new international business contacts
Fritz Bleilinger · Sales Manager for the German-speaking region · Man Wah · 2026

We're very satisfied with the visitor numbers and the excellent responses from buyers. We hope that Bosnian-made products will continue to expand their presence and successfully establish themselves on the international market on a sustainable footing
Nermin Terzic · Sales Director · Rattan Sedia · 2026

Next edition outlook

2027

confirmed

imm cologne 2027 will be the first edition to fully implement the new two-sub-brand architecture, with Global Sourcing in Hall 11.1 and Retail Furniture in Hall 10.2. The event runs from 19 to 22 January 2027 at Koelnmesse, Cologne. At the close of the early-bird period on 30 April 2026, planned gross exhibition space was approximately 63,500 square metres — just under 60 per cent of the space occupied at the previous edition and roughly three times larger than at a comparable point the previous year. Registered companies came from twelve countries. The trade visitor Ticket Shop is scheduled to open on 22 September 2026. Organisers have expressed confidence in the new direction, with fair director Bernd Sanden stating that the registration level is in line with expectations and that positive trends in international representation and booked space give confidence to further refine the concept. No exhibitor or visitor count forecasts have been published for 2027

First full implementation of the Global Sourcing and Retail Furniture sub-brand architecture Two clearly divided hall areas (Halls 10.2 and 11.1) connected by the trade fair boulevard Continued focus on the entry-level to mid-range price segment for high-demand home furniture Sharper orientation toward German and European manufacturers through all-in-one stand construction packages and attractive participation terms Trade visitor Ticket Shop scheduled to open on 22 September 2026 Maintained focus on trade visitors only, with early January timing and high international reach (previous edition: over 50 per cent international visitors)

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

imm cologne 2026 marked a decisive relaunch of the fair after a one-year pause, repositioning it as a focused B2B sourcing platform for the international furniture industry. Held from 20 to 23 January 2026 at Koelnmesse in Cologne, the event under the theme 'World of Interiors' welcomed 339 exhibitors from 28 countries and around 10,000 trade visitors from 104 countries. The proportion of international visitors reached 57 per cent, and the foreign exhibitor share was 97 per cent. The edition was deliberately designed to reflect changed supplier relationships, revised sourcing strategies and the growing importance of international procurement markets. Asian suppliers, particularly from China with 252 exhibitors, were strongly represented, alongside national pavilions from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Japan, Romania, Taiwan and Turkey. The relaunch demonstrated that a smaller, sharper format could still deliver high-quality business discussions and order activity, with organisers reporting predominantly positive feedback on the quality of conversations and contacts. The event confirmed Cologne's role as a central interface for global sourcing and range planning at the start of the furniture year

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

The 2026 edition drew around 10,000 trade visitors from 104 countries, with 57 per cent travelling from abroad, confirming its international reach. Attendees included purchasing associations, retail chains, the wholesale and specialist retail trade, e-commerce companies and mail order businesses. Key visiting companies included ALDI, Alliance Verband, Amazon, BDSK Handel, Einrichtungshaus Ostermann, Einrichtungspartnerring VME, Europa Möbel Verbund, GARANT Holding, Hans Segmüller Polstermöbelfabrik, IKEA, IMG Group, Krieger Gruppe, Möbel Boss, Next, POCO, porta, Westwing, XXXLutz and Zurbrüggen Wohn-Zentrum. The strongest European visitor groups came from Belgium, France, Great Britain and the Netherlands. Organisers noted high decision-maker density among the visitor profile, with feedback on the quality of conversations and contacts described as predominantly positive

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

Exhibitor feedback from imm cologne 2026 pointed to valuable international business contacts and high satisfaction with buyer responses. Fritz Bleilinger, Sales Manager for the German-speaking region at Manwah, said: 'Cologne is the ideal location for a trade fair for us: excellent transport connections and an attractive venue for our global customers. Deciding to participate in imm cologne in 2026 was definitely the right move for us: We've established valuable new international business contacts.' Nermin Terzic, Sales Director at Rattan Sedia, added: 'We're very satisfied with the visitor numbers and the excellent responses from buyers.' Matthias Pollmann, Vice President Trade Fair Management at Koelnmesse, summarised the exhibitor experience: 'In a challenging market environment, efficiency is what counts above all. This is exactly why we've created a focused B2B sourcing platform with imm cologne 2026: an event where visitors can quickly gain an overview, make strategic purchasing decisions and establish new contacts. And that is exactly what exhibitors and trade visitors used the event for.' Bernd Sanden, Director of imm cologne, noted that the 2026 edition demonstrated the importance of adapting trade fair formats to market conditions and that the trust shown by exhibitors and visitors encouraged further development of the fair's profile for 2027. The organisers reported that feedback on the quality of discussions and contacts was overwhelmingly positive, with exhibitors particularly appreciating the opportunity to place orders and initiate new business

Intelligence

Market context

Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

Europe — Germany, Central Europe and the broader European furniture market, with global sourcing linkages to Asia and other manufacturing regions

Why it matters

imm cologne 2027 matters because it sits at the intersection of a contracting German furniture market and a strategic realignment of how the industry sources and sells. Germany remains Europe's largest furniture market, with imports accounting for 59.8 per cent of consumption and China alone representing about 18 per cent of the total market. Yet the domestic industry is in its deepest crisis since 2009, with revenues down roughly 20 per cent between 2023 and 2026, and upholstered furniture — the largest category — falling 10 per cent in the first half of 2026 alone. This is precisely why imm cologne's 2027 repositioning matters: the event has moved from a broad lifestyle showcase to a sharply focused B2B platform built around two sub-brands that reflect how the market actually operates today. Global Sourcing (Hall 11.1) addresses the reality that six in ten euros spent on furniture in Germany go to imported goods, giving European buyers direct access to international manufacturing capacity, OEM and private-label production. Retail Furniture (Hall 10.2) addresses the other side: European retailers — from buying groups and chains to online and mail-order businesses — need store-ready ranges at entry-level to mid-range price points that meet consumers' rising expectations for quality, durability and value. The event's early-bird results — 63,500 sqm planned, three times larger than at the same point last year — suggest the trade is responding to this clarity. For exhibitors, imm cologne offers targeted access to the German market and key Central European buyer groups in a four-day format timed at the very start of the purchasing year. For buyers, it consolidates global sourcing options and European retail-ready collections in one venue, reducing the cost and time of range planning. In a market where efficiency and price-performance ratio now dominate purchasing decisions, imm cologne's 2027 format is a direct response to what the industry needs

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

German furniture market contracts before anticipated recovery

Germany's furniture industry has been in crisis since 2023, with revenues falling for the third consecutive year to the lowest level since 2009. Between 2023 and 2026 the sector lost around 20 per cent of its revenue. In the first half of 2026, manufacturers generated EUR 7.7 billion, nominally 2.7 per cent below the prior-year period. Upholstered furniture saw the steepest decline at minus 10 per cent, while kitchen furniture was the only category to grow, up 1 per cent. The domestic market shrank 4.1 per cent. Association managing director Jan Kurth cited rising material, energy and labour costs, weak consumer sentiment, a sluggish housing construction market and growing international competitive pressure as key burdens. The Germany home furniture market is projected to recover, growing from USD 20.82 billion in 2026 to USD 24.16 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 3.02 per cent

Consumers prioritise quality, value and sustainability over origin

A representative survey conducted on behalf of imm cologne found that 96.5 per cent of German consumers rate furniture quality as important or very important, followed by price-performance ratio (96.3 per cent) and durability (95.5 per cent). Customisability (75.1 per cent), fast delivery (71.3 per cent) and sustainability (65.3 per cent) are gaining importance. Origin matters less: only 53.4 per cent consider the place of manufacture important, yet 65.3 per cent want clear information about the production region. Imports account for 59.8 per cent of the German furniture market, with China alone representing about 30 per cent of those imports. Half of respondents (50.5 per cent) are open to furniture manufactured outside Europe

EU sustainability regulation reshapes furniture production and sourcing

The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) framework mandates design for durability, repairability and recyclability, with a Digital Product Passport due by July 2026. German consumers show high recognition of the Blue Angel eco-label and rising willingness to prefer certified timber aligned with FSC and PEFC expectations. Manufacturers are responding by highlighting low-emission materials, documentation of origin and circular solutions such as take-back or refurbishment programmes. Sustainability signals have shifted from optional to essential in category selection

European furniture market poised for modest recovery in 2027

CSIL research indicates that European furniture demand is expected to remain almost stagnant in 2026 as households prioritise saving, with a more sustained recovery projected for 2027. The European home furniture market is worth approximately EUR 165 billion, serving around 540 million consumers across 240 million households. Modest growth in 2026 is expected to give way to a stronger rebound in 2027, supported by improving macroeconomic conditions and deferred replacement demand

Trade fair formats shift toward focused B2B sourcing platforms

In response to market pressures, major European furniture trade fairs are restructuring toward sharper, more targeted B2B formats. imm cologne 2027 is introducing two dedicated sub-brands — Global Sourcing (Hall 11.1) for international procurement and production, and Retail Furniture (Hall 10.2) for store-ready ranges — to reflect the differing requirements of European retailers and international suppliers. This mirrors a broader industry recognition that efficiency and clear segmentation are critical in a price-sensitive market

Market news

Latest updates from across the market.

imm cologne 2027 records strong early-bird bookings with 63,500 sqm planned

At the close of the early-bird registration period on 30 April 2026, imm cologne 2027 reported planned gross exhibition space of approximately 63,500 square metres — just under 60 per cent of the space occupied at the previous edition and roughly three times larger than at a comparable point the previous year. Registered companies came from twelve countries. Fair director Bernd Sanden said the market approves of imm cologne's new direction

imm cologne survey: quality and value for money are top criteria in German furniture purchase decisions

A representative survey commissioned by imm cologne showed that 96.5 per cent of German consumers rate furniture quality as important or very important, followed closely by price-performance ratio at 96.3 per cent and durability at 95.5 per cent. Sustainability influences 65.3 per cent of purchase decisions. The study indicates that consumers are making more pragmatic, rational choices, with international production now a mainstream reality

German furniture industry remains in crisis as revenues fall 2.7 per cent in first half of 2026

The German furniture industry association VDM reported that manufacturers generated EUR 7.7 billion in the first half of 2026, nominally 2.7 per cent below the prior-year period. Upholstered furniture revenues fell 10 per cent while kitchen furniture grew 1 per cent. The domestic market contracted 4.1 per cent. Managing director Jan Kurth cited rising costs, weak consumer sentiment and international competitive pressure as key factors

imm cologne introduces two new sub-brands for 2027: Global Sourcing and Retail Furniture

imm cologne announced a new brand architecture for its 2027 edition, with two distinct sub-brands joining the established imm cologne umbrella. Global Sourcing (Hall 11.1) focuses on international procurement and production, covering OEM/ODM manufacturing, private label and contract manufacturing. Retail Furniture (Hall 10.2) targets European retailers with store-ready furniture and design-led solutions in the entry-level to mid-price range

European furniture market expected to improve slightly in 2027 after stagnation in 2026

CSIL research indicates that the European home furniture market is expected to improve slightly in 2027 after near-stagnant demand in 2026. European furniture retail demand is showing signs of stabilisation while distribution models continue to transform and competition intensifies. The European home furniture market is valued at approximately EUR 165 billion