Spring boost for the retail sector

The past three years have brought great uncertainty for retailers and their distribution channels. The 36th International Trade Fair for Promotional Goods and Imports (IAW) aims to pick up exactly there: "Retailers need sales, new aggressively priced items to attract consumers to the shops despite a slowdown in purchasing," explains managing director Ulrich Zimmermann. The IAW trade fair will take place from 4 to 6 March 2024 alongside the International Hardware Fair in Cologne. It is aimed at wholesalers, importers, manufacturers of promotional goods and trend items from all retail categories as well as buyers from chain stores, DIY stores, garden centres, discounters, special-item stores and online retailers. The products on display cover categories such as food, cosmetics, household goods, textiles and electronics. In addition to its role as an ordering platform, the IAW also acts as a trend barometer and networking platform, especially in the fields of e-commerce and private labels. With a supporting programme including free workshops and lectures, it attracts an international audience.

The current edition of the trade fair focuses on future topics such as AI, e-commerce and new sourcing strategies. "Positive impulses are particularly important in difficult times," comments the managing director. "And that's exactly what we can provide through the varied and inspiring programme of the 36th edition of the IAW, combined with a spring boost for retailers."

"The IAW is particularly interesting for buyers from DIY stores as well as garden centres, as they can find trends and inspiration for the spring and summer business here. There are products from various categories as impulse items in the checkout zone for all kinds of promotional campaigns, such as for the barbecue and picnic season, the gardening season, spring cleaning, decorations, kitchen accessories, sports and fan articles as well as new sourcing partners for private labels," highlights project manager Kerstin Manke. Visitors can be inspired by various product ranges without having to visit many individual (trade) fairs and can also obtain goods at short notice, as most products are available immediately, she explains.

Manke expects great interest in 2024: "We are facing a year of positive trends…