EuroShop and Baselworld under the sign of the corona virus

Due to the current situation surrounding the Corona virus, 19,000 fewer visitors came to EuroShop 2020 than to the record event in 2017. Around 70 percent of the 94,000 EuroShop guests traveled from abroad this year. The damage was not caused solely by the fact that Chinese visitors were no longer able to travel. Large German companies cancelled their employees' participation for fear of the virus. A detailed report of the core area of exhibition stand construction will follow in the print edition of Expodata Live Kommunikation on April 17, 2020.

Despite everything: High internationality 

The approximately 2,300 exhibitors from 57 nations nevertheless reported very good contacts and business deals. The changing lecture programs of the individual stages on retail technology topics, architecture and store design, or expo and event were consistently well attended. The numerous EuroShop specials, including in particular the Start-up Hub, the Designer Village and the Premium City, were equally well received.

Investment in worlds of experience

Apart from the drop in visitors, it was a EuroShop with the usual leading function with numerous impulses for retail and trade fair construction. "The success of online retailing is virtually spurring on retailers: They have realized that they have to give customers reasons to come into the store beyond the product range. Competition has pushed the entire retail sector up in level. Investments are being made in shopfitting, in creating worlds of experience," says Michael Gerling, Chairman of the EuroShop Advisory Board and Managing Director of the EHI Retail Institute Cologne.

Baselworld also takes place

All precautions against the spread of the coronavirus have been taken, so that Baselworld can take place as planned on April 30, 2020, at this point in time. "Baselworld 2020 is on track. We are preparing for the upcoming show as planned. Based on the information our planning team has gathered so far, there is no doubt that it will take place," said Michel Loris-Melikoff, managing director of Baselworld.

Preparations for the salon are on schedule, and the teams are working flat out to ensure the show goes ahead as planned. "At the same time, we are closely monitoring the development of the situation around the virus and are in constant contact with the health authorities and other offices. Together with key exponents of our industry, we are following all official directives and recommendations to maintain the safety of exhibitors, visitors and employees. A comprehensive health protection action plan is in place just in case" adds Michel Loris-Melikoff.

Baselworld will take place from April 30 to May 5, 2020.