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Positive reception

The Belgian trade fair DIY in Kortrijk succeeded in attracting over 5 000 visitors for the second time running

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For the 24th time the DIY event was staged in Kortrijk from 30 January to 1 February this year. According to the fair organiser Pieter Desmet, the fact that it was able to attract over 5 000 visitors for the second time running is clear confirmation of the success of the underlying concept, even after being held so many times.
On a net exhibition space of 13 000 m² there was a total of 192 exhibitors displaying new products and trends that covered the categories of decoration, timber/building materials, plumbing, hardware, electrical and garden. In spite of the increasing amount of concentration in the sector, 5 004 trade visitors registered their attendance over the three days of the fair (previous year: 5 077). Taken together they represented 2 577 retail outlets. “The atmosphere at DIY 2005 was extremely positive,” commented Pieter Desmet.
Pieter Desmet (left) presented the fair visitors’ prize to Etienne Vrebos, Belgian manager of Gardena.
The “Stars in the Box” competition for new products that was introduced this year for the first time proved to be a great attraction. Fifty products in total entered the competition, and 17 of them were in contention for the title of “DIY 2005 novelty of the year”. As Pieter Desmet explained, “Visitors very much appreciated our unique style of presentation in a real black box.”
This year’s DIY again saw over 5 000 visitors come to Kortrijk.
The best new products were awarded prizes by a jury that consisted of managers and buyers from the sector, and by trade visitors to the show as well. The jury’s prize was awarded to Verbon for its radiator renovation system “Levica”. The public’s prize went to Gardena for its “Easymove 38 E” steerable lawnmower. As a result of the great response to this competition it will be held again at the next event in 2006. The two morning conference sessions were also well attended. As Pieter Desmet summed up at the end of the fair, “This 24th version of DIY was well able to confirm its status as a trend-setting forum. The DIY industry in Belgium is doing fine in comparison with some of the other retail segments.”
The next DIY will be open for business in Kortrijk from 5 to 7 February 2006.
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