Russia as a Strong Sales Market for German Furniture Manufacturers -- Discover New Trends at Office Next Moscow 2014

NUREMBERG, GERMANY and MOSCOW, RUSSIA--(Marketwired - Feb 19, 2014) - The German furniture industry had a difficult year in 2013. Production fell by 3.0% and sales by 1.2%. Trade associations expect 2014 to be on par with the previous year. Dirk-Uwe Klaas, Managing Director of the Association of the German Furniture Industry (VDM), sees markets with potential, especially in Russia. "German products have a good reputation in Russia. This is especially true for German manufacturers of high-quality furniture -- they score points with their quality and reliability," knows Bernd D. Fichtner, Managing Director of the international fair organiser OWP Ost-West-Partner GmbH.

Balance sheet 2013 - shrinking sales markets
German furniture producers had to absorb a fall to a production value of 16.1 billion euros in 2013 (2012: 16.6 billion euros). This backwards trend is expected to be halted this year. The same applies for German furniture retail, whose sales fell by 1.2% as at October 2013.

Growth market in Russia

Export countries for German furniture in millions of euros; Source: GTAI

While the export of German furniture is facing a downward trend in many countries there has been a clear rise in the past few years, especially for the Russian market. A visit to trade fairs such as Office Next Moscow 2014 is advisable in order to penetrate the Russian market.

Office Next Moscow is composed of three parts: Trends, the actual trade fair for trade visitors with exhibitors in the open-space concept; Talks, a conference with international top-notch speakers and presentations; and Awards, with a competition for the best Russian and international office projects. By uniting knowledge, information and experience, this concept ensures that a balanced mix is created for the visitors. From 27-29 May 2014 in Moscow, leading international exhibitors from all relevant areas, including light technology, office furniture, acoustics, IT solutions, media technology and so much more, will offer an overview of the latest products and trends. "The mixture from all areas makes the harmonised difference and creates an ideal office atmosphere. You will find out more at Office Next Moscow," added Fichtner.

Photos and additional press information can be found at:
http://www.officenext-moscow.com/press.php
The publication is free of charge -- specimen copy requested

Media partner for Office Next Moscow 2014