NOVEMBER 2014 RETAILOBSERVER.COM
9
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ever before in the 90-year history of the
event have so many products made their
world debut at IFA. Global trends such as
networking, wearables and further improvements
in the images and sound produced by digital TV
and hi-fi systems have reached new heights. More
than ever IFA 2014 underlined its expertise in its
role as the world's meeting place for the industry
and for exchanging information.
The reactions from retailers and consumers to
the many products making their world debut
were extremely positive. Over a period of six days
alone IFA 2014 generated orders totaling 4.25
billion euros, and follow-up business is expected
to be good. IFA's unique blend of product
innovations, stars and entertainment, presented
by 1,538 exhibitors on a display area covering
around 149,500 square meters, attracted more
than 240,000 visitors. The floor space occupied
was larger than at any previous event in the
history of IFA.
"In 2014 IFA again fulfilled its role as a driving
force of the markets. With an even larger volume
of orders this year, the foundations were laid for
good end-of-year business ahead of the most
important sales period of the year. IFA continues
to be the ideal venue and marketplace for indus-
try and commerce," said Hans-Joachim Kamp,
chairman of the supervisory board of Gesellschaft
für Unterhaltungs- und Kommunikationselektronik
(gfu), the organizers of IFA.
"Once again, IFA has strengthened its position as
the world's leading trade fair for consumer electronics
and home appliances. Its contribution to boosting
the home appliances market, for which the outlook is
good, was exceptional," said Dr. Reinhard Zinkann,
chairman of the Home Appliances Trade Association,
part of ZVEI.
GLOBAL TRENDS
DRIVE THE MARKET
RETAILERS SEE GOOD PROSPECTS
FOR END-OF-YEAR BUSINESS
Success!
AN IMMEDIATE
IFA 2014: