This March, Germany held host to the tri-annual Global Retail Trade Fair and
2011 proved to be the biggest on record.
Held on over 26 acres of net exhibit space at Messe, Düsseldorf, a
remarkable 2036 exhibitors from 53 nations showcased their products to
over 107,000 visitors.

The trade fairs international appeal was demonstrated by the continued
growth in represented nations, with 60 per cent of visitors coming from
outside Germany. This has increased from 17 per cent in 1966, when the
inaugural event was held.

Wayne Billings, Managing Director of Australian shopfitting company
Billings Long, was in attendance and had the following to say.
“It’s great to see such an awareness in sustainability across the board this
year. I’m often asked by franchisors to look out for more efficient products
and environmentally friendly ways of approaching their fit outs and there’s
no better place to research what’s available worldwide than Euroshop. The
development in products, like energy efficient refrigeration cabinets and

the use of sustainable materials in shop fittings, is really evident on a global
scale here. The impact LED technology is having on the options for in-store
energy saving lighting is remarkable. When you consider the restrictions
we are now faced with under the BCA regarding heat loads, it’s definitely a
welcome innovation.”
The Euroconcept area held over 150 international lighting companies. Their
impressive displays of creative, energy efficient LED lighting was a definite
highlight of the fair.

The technology sector was well represented also and highlighted
developments in mobile devices, self-scanning solutions and smart phone
applications.
“Customers are becoming more digitalised and we need to be aware of
this when approaching conceptual design,” said Wayne. “The use of smart
phones and the ability to link them to POS systems, so customers can order
even before they set foot in store, is one area that has the potential to
revolutionise the interaction between convenience food retailers and their
customers.”
The next Euroshop Global Retail Trade Fair will be held at Messe,
Düsseldorf from February 15-19, 2014.