Press
Forma Autumn ’09 Fair has a record amount of new interesting companies
The furniture sales is continuosly growing
Forma Autumn '08 provides you with more experiences than ever
GIFT FROM FINLAND –competition presents five awarding products
Press release: Interior decoration boom continues
Press release: Being environmentally friendly has become a competitive advantage
Forma Autumn ’09 Fair has a record amount of new interesting companies
Companies offering small delights for everyday life have found Forma Autumn’s theme enticing. In fair’s Fantasy –theme summarizes many of the autumn and winter’s 2009-2010 trends.
In practice fantasy’s influence can be seen in many different ways such as playful and fresh colour combinations that are highlighted by surprising forms and size differences. Surprises and detachments, combining materials, forms and elements unconventionally give much needed new and inspiring energy. Fantasy’s fascinating and vitalizing energy has been a significant force in the consumer market during the last year. Despite the more serious and dark atmosphere – or even as a counterweight to that – Forma Fair’s autumn theme emphasises on enjoying life, dreaming and caring for oneself and one’s friends.
”This many layered impact of fantasy is possibly accentuated even more by the gift ware market and the small joys it provides, which has been better able to withstand the challenges of economic turmoil” says Asko Ahokas who heads the theme exhibition team. The exhibition is created in collaboration with interior designers Elina Aalto and Saara Renvall.
Forma’s 30th birthday is also celebrated at the Fantasy Café at theme stand.
Forma Fair brings international know-how to Finnish retail
International retail seminar brings top experts to Forma Fair on Friday 21.8.2009. Forma’s 30th anniversary seminar is a part of the co-operation with Chicago International Home & Housewares Show. The seminar has the following top speakers:
- Martin M. Pegler: Experiences and emotions with displays
- Henrik Peter Reisby Nielsen: Store as a Media
- Wolfgang Gruschwitz: Greening Visual Merchandising - Combining Emotions With Efficiency
- Asko Ahokas: Trends 2010
The speakers have presentations also on Saturday 22.8.and Sunday 23.8.2009 at Cafe Panorama’s terrace.
Post Card competition had three winnersAt Forma Autumn ’09 Fair’s exhibitor’s Post Card competition Forma searched for innovative
and commercially suitable idea in two series: Post Card from Finland and Post Card to a 12-16-year-old. The winners were:
Post Card from Finland:
Shared 1. place: Nova Tampere / Kaarina Toivanen, ”Our country”
Shared 1. place: Lovi / Anne Paso, a wooden bird
Post Card to a 12-16-year-old:
1. place: Nova Tampere / Kaarina Toivanen, ”Football or basketball?”
The main prize of the competition was 5000 euros donated by the Finnish Fair Foundation.
The Finnish Toy Association organizes Game of the Year and Toy of the Year competitions, whose winners are published at Forma Autumn ’09 Fair’s press conference on Friday 21.8.2009.
Toy of the Year –competition had 26 competing toys from 9 companies. The winners for 2009 are:
Baby Toys: Lego Zoo 5634 (Lego)
Kids’ toys: Logiikkalinna / Logic Castle (Leikkien Group)
School kids’ toys: Lego Separatist AAT, Star Wars (Lego)
Game of the Year –competition had 50 competing games from 14 companies. The winners for 2009 are:
Kids’ games: Quaridor Kid (Lautapelit.fi)
Family Games: Zak Pak (Marektoy Oy)
Adult games: Dominion (Lautapelit.fi)
For more information about the Finnish Toy Association www.suomenleluyhdistys.fi and chairwoman Riia Sandström, tel. + 358 50 569 7494 or riia.sandstrom(at)martinex.fi
At Forma Fair also
- Flower arrangement shows by Laura Mononen: Beautiful everyday (shows in Finnish)
- Helsinki Design Nyt! – design from Finland’s capital city
- Easy packages and wrapping tips from Elina Kutila
- A laptop to your shop – Profides Oy introduces a retailers’ computer package
- Forma Online and Sisustakotia.fi on display
Forma Fair is organised twice a year for professionals in the interior decoration branch and here the wholesalers and retailers meet each other in order to get acquainted with new products as well as new ideas. At the fair you will find the latest trends from home and abroad.
Forma Spring ’10 Fair will be organised at the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre between 29rd and 31st of January 2010. The Fair is open on Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and on Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
The image bank of Forma Fair is in www.formamessut.fi/kuvapankki. You may download pictures featuring the collection of the autumn fair as well as the winners of the competitions for press use only.
For more information, please contact: Forma Fair, Managing Director Mrs. Arja Tammi, tel. +358 40 540 7747 or arja.tammi@formamessut.fi
For more information on Forma Fantasia –theme: Mr. Asko Ahokas, info@askoahokas.com
For more information www.formamessut.fi
The furniture sales is continuosly growing
Furniture sales have been growing rapidly during the first half of 2008. The growth of the turnover was 9,2 percent more in January-May 2008 compared with the corresponding period of time in the previous year.
The growth of the sales has been speeded up in late spring especially by the growth of the sales of garden furniture, which was actually expected. Home interior decoration boom is continuously strong and this has a positive impact on the development of the furniture sales.
The rapid growth of the furniture sales describes the fact that there were in March 2008 three sales days less than in the corresponding period of time in the previous year and still the turnover was one percent more than last year.
The biggest companies of the branch get the most of the growth. Starting 2007 the growth of the turn over is almost totally thanks to the companies that employ more than 20 persons.
In the special retail shops of giftware and home decoration branch the growth of the turnover has been settling down in some extend being 3 percent more in 2007 compared to 2006. The beginning of 2008 shows still a moderate but continuous growth.
You can find Forma Fair’s image bank in www.formamessut.fi/kuvapankki You can download pictures also from Forma Autumn ’08 Fair from the image bank for press use only. On our press site you may find our exhibitors’ press releases in http://www.formamessut.fi/lehdisto/na_tiedotteet.html.
For more information, please contact: Forma Fair, Managing Director Arja Tammi, tel. +358 40 540 7747 or arja.tammi@formamessut.fi More information to be found www.formamessut.fi
Forma Autumn '08 provides you with more experiences than ever
Forma Fair is now even more versatile than ever. Forma Fair has 278 exhibitors of which 64 are first comers and 26 come from abroad. Forma Fair has put a special effort on themes and events. You may find at the fair among others
- Turku Design Now! –stand
- Luxury of Good Conscience
- Felt Now! Competition overview
- Forma “Tieto & Taito” (Knowledge & Skill) seminars
- Key Flag –stand
- KAHLA Exhibition
- Learn from the best – World Class Best Practices
- Emergency Room for interior decoration in shops
- Forma Room by OTTOmaani
Turku Now! –design area is featuring young talents from west coast of Finland and Felt Now! on the other hand an overview to the innovative competing items of the competition last spring. One of the performers of Forma Tieto & Taito is Mr. Asko Ahokas who is featuring the latest trends of the branch in his trend seminar. Key Flag –stand shows the Finnish products of the exhibitors. On Learn from the best –stand you may get acquainted with best practices of international retail shops of the interior decoration branch.
Forma Latte – Think Glocal
Forma Latte theme of this Autumn is to be seen everywhere during the event and it offers the visitor a current setting to design, trends and gift ware. Design theme group led by Mr. Asko Ahokas has created the Latte theme stand that features the Latte term: Latte consists of the words Local, Authentic, Trustworthy, Traceable and Ethical.
The Luxury of Good Conscience –oasis designed by interior architect Ms. Elina Aalto features with choices of the products and decoration the contents of the Latte theme. The choices that have impact on environmental and social issues have an increasing role at the present. The consuming and the world of goods can, however, be examined without forgetting the joy and pleasure. Other members of the theme group have been textile designer Mr. Jarkko Kallio and visual artist Ms. Mai Mäki. Mäki is an experienced professional, who has an excellent sense of style. She has composed to the theme stand a versatile collection of items presented by the exhibitors.
The Gift from Finland, The Toy of the Year and The Game of the Year –competitions
The products of five companies were awarded in the first The Gift from Finland –competition organised by Forma Fair. The winners of the Toy of the Year and The Game of the Year –competitions will be published at the Press Conference 22.8.2008. These two competitions are organised by the Finnish Toy Association. Read more about the competitions from the press releases.
Forma Messut/Forma Fair
Forma Fair is organised twice a year for professionals in the interior decoration branch and here the wholesalers and retailers meet each other in order to get acquainted with new products as well as new ideas. At the fair you will find the latest trends from home and abroad.
Forma Spring ’09 Fair will be organised at the Helsinki Fair Centre between 23rd and 25th of January 2009. The Fair is open on Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and on Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
The image bank of Forma Fair is in www.formamessut.fi/kuvapankki . You may download pictures featuring the collection of the autumn fair as well as the winners of the competitions for press use only. From our press pages you may find also press releases of our exhibitors in http://www.formamessut.fi/lehdisto/na_tiedotteet.html.
For more information, please contact: Forma Fair, Managing Director Mrs. Arja Tammi, tel. +358 40 540 7747 or arja.tammi@formamessut.fi For more information on Forma Latte –theme: Mr. Asko Ahokas, info@askoahokas.com For more information www.formamessut.fi
GIFT FROM FINLAND –competition presents five awarding products
Forma Fair organised in connection with Forma Autumn ’08 –exhibition the first Gift from Finland –competition for the exhibitors in order to find new gift ideas. Quality product and proper marketing programme were the substantial criteria in evaluating the products. One criterion was also the fact that the product is either fitted for sending by mail or carrying in a suitcase.
The jury found the competing items to be in all versatile and full of ideas. The jury hoped in many cases, however, that the companies would have exploited the point of view of a professional designer in the practical realisation of the idea. Some products could have benefited from proper brand developing which would have given more sense of professionalism.
Gift from Finland –competition presents awarding products of five companies: Aarikka Oy (Peikonlehti –decoration plants), Globe Hope Oy (Havu-bag), Lapuan Kankurit Oy (Seita –set (kettle holder/kitchen towel), Oipuu Oy (OTTO –salad servers) and Veico Oy (breakfast tray “Morning Papers”). The jury decided to pick up five winners as none of the five was absolutely above the others.
Aarikka Oy's Peikonlehti –decoration plants were appreciated for excellent design and fresh product idea. The plants are well functioning for example when you cannot send fresh flowers. The mailing package was well suited for the product, too.
Globe Hope Oy'nThe jury found Globe Hope Oy'n recycling product Havu-bag well suited for the social values of the LATTE –theme. Havu-bag made out of an old army bag is also a gift with a wide target group; you can give it to a woman or a man, young or old and almost in any occasion whatsoever.
Lapuan Kankurit Oy'n Seita –set (kettle holder/kitchen towel) was considered stylish set where also the idea of easy mailing was well taken into consideration. The jury especially appreciated the clean cut design and high quality material.
Oipuu Ky'n salad servers are well suited to many a gift receiver. Comprehensive point of view and excellent design are shown especially at the end of the servers that interlock well with each other. This also makes it easy to pack the product.
Veico Oy'n "Morning Papers" breakfast tray’s best yield was the great idea of the product. By awarding the product the jury will encourage the company to continue the developing of the product together with a professional designer. The mailing of the gift was also well considered.
Each and everyone of the five winners were awarded with a total of 2000 euros that were handed over at the Forma Fair press conference 22nd of August 2008 on the behalf of Finnish Fair Foundation by Mr. Pentti Kivinen, Managing Director.
The jury members were the chairman of Forma Ry Mrs. Ansa Puntalo, industrial designer Mr. Arni Aromaa and design journalist Mr. Asko Ahokas.
You can find Forma Fair’s image bank in www.formamessut.fi/kuvapankki You can find and download pictures about the competition winners from the image bank for press use only.
For more information, please contact: Forma Fair, Managing Director Arja Tammi, tel. +358 40 540 7747 or arja.tammi@formamessut.fi or Asko Ahokas, info@askoahokas.com
Interior decoration boom continues
Turnover in furniture and interior decoration products' retail has grown steadily in both furniture stores and gift and interior decoration stores
Turnover in furniture stores and interior decoration stores has grown for many years in average 7-8 % per year. In 2006 furniture and interior decoration products' sales in furniture stores were 6,8 % more than the year before. In interior decoration and gift stores sales were 7,2% % higher than in 2005. Substantial housing construction and brisk housing sales affected positively the branch, and interest in interior decoration shows for example in the popularity of interior decoration magazines and tv-programs. The interior decoration boom is expected to continue in the future: consumers spend more and more money on home decoration, and uniqueness will be an important factor when making purchasing decisions.
From furniture retailers turnover 55 % comes from July-December sales. The share of January-June sales from the years' total turnover is growing but very slowly. However, compared to many other branches in speciality retail sales divide evenly into first and second half of the year. Compared to furniture retail turnover in gift and interior decoration products' stores emphasize a little more in July-December and sales are divided more uneven through the year.
Quarterly sales percent in furniture and interior decoration products' stores have maintained at the same level. The biggest sales are in the last quarter of the year when 28 % of the annual turnover is made. In gift and interior decoration stores the stress is even more in the last quarter: 33 % of the annual turnover is made on that period. Small changes in these percentages tell that Finnish consumers have stable consuming habits. Consumers buy furniture and interior decoration products year after year on certain periods.
82 % of furniture stores and 93 % of gift and interior decoration stores employ under five persons. It is noticeable, however, that from January 2006 to March 2007 the turnover in furniture and interior decoration products' stores has grown virtually only in stores that employ over 20 persons. Instead, in gift and interior decoration products' stores turnover has grown in stores of all sizes, and the smallest companies have had the biggest impact on the growth of the branch.
Noticing different age groups in interior decoration retail
When predicting the future consumer trends noticing the needs and interest of different age groups has become important.
The young generation Y (13-19 years of age) is described as technology centered and goal oriented generation that aims at making a difference. These young people value environmentally friendly products through which they feel taking responsibility of their environment. The main purchases are basic furniture into living room and bedroom.
30-42 year-old generation X representatives are sceptic individualists that appreciate practical furniture. They also value high quality and design. Many 30-42 year-olds have a family, which is why they tend to buy child-friendly furniture and materials that are durable.
The "Baby Boomers" generation (born between 1945-1954) appreciate comfort and well-being. These consumers search for furniture and products that create a relaxing and calm environment. Baby boomers buy more trendy products than earlier assumed, key purchases are quality furniture that replace older existing ones.
All in all, environmentally friendly products' consumption is expected to increase in the future. Also unique design furniture and interior decoration styles become more and more important as well as durable and high-quality interior decoration products.
Association of Finnish Furniture Retailers and Forma Association are in Habitare at stand 2e51.
For more information:
Arja Tammi, Forma Fair / Forma Messut Oy, p. + 358 10 820 9801, arja.tammi@formamessut.fi
Being environmentally friendly has become a competitive advantage
Association of Finnish Furniture Retailers is actively promoting environmental awareness in furniture branch
Environmentally friendly values are a major influence in modern design and architecture. Whether its materials, recycling or production process environmentalism is becoming more and more important also for consumers making purchasing decisions. Eco-Design-values have clearly risen as a competitive advantage as the manufacturers and designers emphasize the meaning of environmentally friendly process and materials in the image of the product.
The trend has had an impact also on the popularity of environmentally friendly materials. "Green thinking" materials like bamboo, organic cotton, hemp, leather dyed with plant colours and soy fibre are ever more popular in interior decoration trends. The phenomenon reflects also in colour selection that consists of different shades of green and colour palettes inspired by wood. Nature shapes are also key inspirations in product forms and decorative styles.
In consumers the phenomenon reflects as responsible consuming which is why they are ready to invest in products one can buy with clean conscience. For example "10 Things About Environmentalists" report published by Yankelovich states that 55 % of the consumers say it is very important that they are seen as environmentally friendly. The number has increased 3 per cent from 2006. 46 % of consumers are ready to pay more if the product brand is considered environmentally friendly.
Many manufacturers and retailers have understood that this is not a bypassing phenomenon but a real change in the market. For example in the US number of companies have started to implement massive changes in production processes and co-operative projects.
The phenomenon is significant also for retailers which is why environmentalism and eco-thinking is more visibly on view in numerous international furniture and giftware fairs. For example New York International Furniture Fair, NY Gift Fair, Las Vegas Market and 100% Design in London have dedicated their most important theme shows and seminars in 2007 for environmentalism.
Recycling as a part of the furniture life cycle
Together with environmentally friendly planning process and material selection recycling of furniture is an important part of the furniture life cycle. Organised furniture recycling programs are found in many countries. In the UK, for example, there are approximately 300 furniture recycling programs. The roof organisation for these programs is FRN (Furniture Reuse Network) which aims at directing used furniture to families of small means. This is how the operation of the organisation differs from the traditional second hand shops where used furniture is sold for everyone. FRN estimates that the annual distribution produces about 13 million pounds which is almost 19 million euros.
Unlike many other recycled products and materials there is often a great demand on recycled furniture. Organised recycling helps also the manufacturer and retail by making it possible for the consumer to purchase new furniture. Re:office is one example of well succeeded companies that sell recycled office furniture in Finland.
Finnish furniture panel helps putting environmental knowledge in to practice
In December 2004 Finnish furniture panel was launched. The reason why the panel was formed was the observation that even though several environment projects have been launched in the course of recent years, the retailers are not aware of the results and have not been implemented them in practice. Also, the information of furniture recycling doesn't reach the consumers.
The aim of the panel is to take environmental awareness in furniture manufacturing and retail into a new level. Instead of focusing just on recycling the panel highlights the whole life cycle of furniture. The environmental effects of a piece of furniture can be examined in its manufacturing, marketing, sales, renovating and finally in recycling phase. The panel aims at promoting the design and manufacturing of environmentally friendly furniture (Eco-Design), putting research results in to practice in furniture stores (guides, education, information), renovating furniture and creating common recycling programs in the branch.
In Finland a few furniture retail chains (such as Veps¨läinen and Isku) have their own recycling programs. In addition, environmental management company Lassila & Tikanoja has a furniture recycling program. However, most of the used furniture end up elsewhere in the end of their life cycle. The challenge of the recycling programs is to get the small retailers to join the action as the life cycle model offers new possibilities to environmentally friendly trading also to these companies.
Paola Antonelli from the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York has stated that today's consumers take environmentally friendly values for granted. Those together with good design and planning affect crucially to purchasing decisions.
For more information:
Arja Tammi, Forma Fair / Forma Messut Oy, p. 010 820 9801, arja.tammi@formamessut.fi
Timo Vepsäläinen, Association of Finnish Furniture Retailers, p. 0500 451 903
18.-20.8.2006
Helsinki Fair Centre
24. - 26.2.2006
Helsinki Fair Centre
Forma Spring Fair focuses on the Chair!
Forma Spring '06 theme stand is inspired by chair. The chair is one of the favorite objects of
designers - and, for that matter, of audiences at large. There are as many chairs as there are functions for sitting: dining chairs, office chairs, sauna stool, or chaise lounges are examples of different kinds of chairs.
Forma Fair's Theme Exhibition presents the new trends and the future classics.
The Forma Autumn'05 theme stand was called Forma Light. It’s time to shine and sparkle! At home this can be seen in new light fixtures, which are an essential part of creating the perfect atmosphere. You could find the latest light designs as well as concrete examples of how to use light as part of interior design at the Forma Light theme exhibition.
The exhibition, designed by Mai Mäki, consisted of three unique parts: The first part was a light tunnel which presented the latest trends and designers in lighting design. Next to the tunnel, light and shadows were juxtaposed on a row of tables exhibiting tableware, candles and decorations. The third section presented practical examples of how to benefit from the latest trends in light design at home.
25. - 27.2.2005
Helsinki Fair Centre
Press Release
February 25, 2005
How do young designers visualize our future homes? Living and design is the theme for the Forma Spring ‘05 fair.
2005 has been named Design Year. Design and living is also the theme of the Forma Fair aimed at interior decoration professionals. Three young designers we are going to hear about in the future, Teri Niitti, fashion designer, Saara Renvall, interior architect and Sami Ruotsalainen, ceramics and textile designer, have participated in the planning of the exhibition theme stand, where interior decoration professionals can look for new ideas to develop their activities. In charge of the theme stand design is Mai Mäki.
The Forma Fair, Finland’s leading trade show for interior decoration professionals, will again be held at the Helsinki Fair Centre from February 25 to 27, 2005. Each year this exhibition has gained in popularity. Compared to last year’s spring fair, the number of exhibitors has increased by 6.9 per cent. Likewise, the exhibition area has increased by 13.1 per cent compared to last year.
What home means to us has changed in the course of the past few decades. Our homes are important to us and we show more and more interest in home decoration. The closed homes of the past have become well working and dynamic family centers. Home is also where friends get together. Present trends, like cooking, have had strong influence on kitchen interiors and home decoration as a whole.
New trends also include increasingly blurred limits between home and work. Home offices are becoming more and more common, presenting challenges to designers as well as other professionals in the field.
Traditional gift shops are extending their assortments to include interior decoration products and small-size furniture. This is why also furniture manufacturers and importers have shown a growing interest in the Forma Fair.
As a novelty, the Forma Fair 2005 will introduce a silk flower arrangement competition.
Last year, the Forma Fair entered into a cooperation agreement with the Federation of the Finnish Furniture Retailers. The target of this agreement is to centralize the services offered within the field of interior and home decoration. In 2004, the furniture business grew by 7%, and the same development is assumed to continue this year.
The Forma Fair is offering wholesalers diversified and topical solutions for sales and marketing development. Retailers have the opportunity to see the entire offering at one time.
Additional information: Arja Tammi, Forma Fair, telephone +358 40 540 7747 or +358 9 4542520.