Ultimately optimistic

Exhibitors, organisers and trade associations are all reporting an underlying mood of optimism at the International Hardware Fair/DIY’TEC. The fair recorded an unusually high visitor figure yesterday, the first day of the event. At times the turnstiles at the entrances were even opened to avoid queues forming at the ticket gates. First estimates made by exhibitors are based on the assumption of more promising business trends again this year. Altogether 3 525 exhibitors have come to Cologne this year, 2 546 of them from abroad.