Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Returning to the original date for the event, EISENWARENMESSE International Hardware Fair 2024 welcomed 38,000 trade visitors from 133 countries. The event took place in Cologne, Germany, March 3-6 and brought together the global hardware industry for product discovery, education and the expansion of business partnerships through networking.
“We are highly satisfied with the EISENWARENMESSE International Hardware Fair 2024,” says Oliver Frese, chief operating officer of Koelnmesse GmbH. “Our supporting programming went down very well, and all of the exhibiting companies praised the excellent quality of the visitors.”
More than 3,200 exhibitors from 54 countries presented the current trends and new products in tools, industrial supply, fixing and fastening, building supplies and home improvement.
“In times of scarce resources and the current challenges, the EISENWARENMESSE International Hardware Fair 2024 gave the specialized trade and B2B sector a very comprehensive overview of the European and international market for the tools and hardware industry,” says Thomas Dammann, chief executive director of the Central Association of the Hardware Trade e.V. “For the specialized trade it primarily served as a platform for new products, personal contacts and the consolidation of partnerships without failing to keep an eye on the trends and new suppliers.”
Trends Revealed and Products Honored
Several trends in the home improvement industry were revealed at EISENWARENMESSE, including a focus on sustainability as manufacturers are increasingly relying on renewable energies for their production and optimizing their supply chains to become more eco-friendly. Products that provide functionality and smart features were also trending at the trade fair.
Along DIY Boulevard, 58 companies presented their products on-site in a POS-like environment, giving attendees an authentic presentation of goods.
As the central event stage of the EISENWARENMESSE International Hardware Fair, the EISENforum once again served as a platform for an industry-relevant exchange of knowledge. Inspiring lectures alternated with exciting panel discussions and distinctions.
The EISENaward 2024 powered by ZHH returned for the seventh year and honored three winners. The VersaMAG from C. & E. FEIN, is a permanent magnet with a vice that enables the tooless tightening of parts on magnetic surfaces and ensures a secure grip in a wide range of work situations. The new cardboard cartridge by Pronova Dichtstoffe is made of paper so plastic waste is reduced by 80%. HAZET’s torque screwdrivers 6004CT and 6005CT include a large digital numeric display, a unique free running mechanism and a left/right and fixed changeable ratchet function.
“The trade fair underpinned its relevance as the key meeting point for industry trends and product innovations not least with formats like the popular EISENaward,” Frese says. “The positive response and the return of many companies confirm that the March date fits in perfectly with the innovation cycle of the industry.”
EISENWARENMESSE International Hardware Fair Cologne will return to Cologne March 3-6, 2026. Instead of running from Sunday to Wednesday, the trade fair will be staged from Tuesday until Friday, accommodating the wishes of the industry for a stronger focus on the business days.
Lead Photo: Koelnmesse / spoga+gafa / : Impression von der EISENWARENMESSE 2024, Eingang Süd
