Surprisingly positive response to Practical World

In particular, suppliers of products in the DIY sector who displayed their ranges at Practical World appeared satisfied with the fair’s development, despite a perceptible decline in visitor numbers. In the words of BHB executive director John W. Herbert as well, “It seems that the new concept is becoming accepted.” The underlying mood among the exhibitors was surprisingly positive, even on the first days of the fair. Admittedly there were critical voices that could not be ignored. These came from the German E/D/E group, for example, which argues from the point of view of traders in the manufacturing sector, and from its DIY retail subsidiary ZEUS as well. At a press conference, managing director Dr Peter Breidenbach issued a warning that whole sectors might possibly migrate to competing trade fairs.
The Practical World Conference, which was staged for the first time on the eve of the fair for 380 participants, also enjoyed a positive reception. The topics under discussion covered the perspectives open to international top players and the question of whether customers prefer soft DIY and simple home improvement solutions, or whether the specialist masculine DIYer should necessarily continue to provide the yardstick for the DIY product ranges and services. The future relations between industry and trade were the subject of debate during a discussion session. Robert L. Tillmann, chairman and CEO of Lowe’s, provided a splendid conclusion with his visions for the future of the company.