The Vibrant Comeback after a 4.5-year Enforced Break

Fu Bingbingg

Af t e r m o r e t h a n f o u r y e a r s ， t h e EISENWARENMESSE–INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR 2022 has celebrated a successful comeback in Cologne from 25-28， September. Around 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， 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 theyve 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.

EISEN Award 2022 powered by ZHH

The coveted EISEN Award was also presented at the first EISENWARENMESSE after the pandemic， in cooperation with the Zentralverband Hartwarenhandel（ZHH）. From more than 50 submitted innovative products， the highly competent jury selected this years three winners of the EISEN Award 2022 powered by ZHH.

The prize winners include the AluTec hammer by Picard. The carpenters hammer boasts a unique combination of aluminium and steel， which enables previously unachievable ergonomics. The second winning entry is the Go！ SMART measuring tool by SOLAMesswerkzeuge. At just 8 cm long， it brings the analogue and digital worlds together and fulfils the functions of a spirit level， an inclinometer and a protractor. Also among the EISEN Award winners for 2022 is ToughBuilt with its Scraper Utility Knife – the worlds first two-in-one. The patented knife allows users to switch between a utility knife and a scraper with the flick of a thumb.

DIY Boulevard 2022

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.

E-Commerce Area

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 optimisation. The content of the eCommerce area was curated by major names including eBay， OTTO， DHL， Facebook and Shopware.

Comments from Industry

John W. Herbert， General Secretary of the European DIY Retail Association （EDRA） and the Global Home Improvement Network （GHIN）

“The EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair is the most important platform for our industry. Its both a barometer of trends and a trendsetter. In other words， its the networking platform for the global hardware trade. Im very happy to be in Cologne， meeting so many colleagues from all over the world.”

Dr Peter Wüst， Managing Director of the German Retailers Association for Home Improvement， Building and Gardening （BHB e.V.）

“Im delighted to be at the EISENWARENMESSE –International Hardware Fair. The event is absolutely vital for maintaining business relationships face-to-face in this period of crisis. Despite the difficult times we find ourselves in， Im picking up a sense of optimism about the future from the people Ive been talking to.”

Wolfgang J. Kirchhoff， Chairman of the Advisory Board of the EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair The EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair Cologne is still the industrys number-one event， where most of its innovations are presented. Its 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.”

Dietrich Alberts， Managing Director of GAH-Alberts

“The EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair has earned its reputation as the industrys leading trade fair over many years. Exhibitors and visitors know they can expect high quality across the board when they come here.”

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