The Umdasch Shopfitting Group with their core brands Umdasch Shop-Concept and Assmann Shop Design have made a conscious decision to continue their series of themed EuroShop presentations in 2008. In 2002 the theme was media architecture; in 2005 store branding was the main focus of the presentation. From 23 – 27 February 2008, surprised visitors to the Umdasch stand will encounter a sensuously staged product world presenting trends in food and non-food shopfitting.

The circular presentation of the numerous innovations in products and systems consists of six themed contributions based on the trade fair motto “tasteandstyle”. The Assmann brand focuses on settings for sample ranges under the headings Freshness, Wellness and Fitness; at Umdasch Shop-Concept you will find the ranges Fashion, Beauty and Accessories. The striking circular architecture will be dominated by hanging cylinders which are covered in gold drapes. The atmospheric lighting effects will heighten the overall dramatic effect. Umdasch has established a partnership with the company RZB Leuchten especially for the EuroShop. The concept and design are the work of the communications agency Section.d. and Labvert, a young partnership of architects, both based in Vienna. The themes, systems and programmes come from the development departments of Umdasch and Assmann.

In their themed contributions Umdasch and Assmann have created a boldly abstract design which manages without the representation of goods. In this way the numerous innovations in systems and programmes are displayed with particular clarity. In addition to retail professionals this should permit architects, designers and shop planners to find what they are looking for. In addition, further information about the Umdasch Shopfitting Group’s core competences will be provided at six information counters. These include, for example, international project management, the seminar programme of the Umdasch Shop Academy, store branding by ShopConsult by Umdasch GmbH and the Assmann Design Shop. Visitors to the Umdasch stand at the EuroShop will be able to take advantage of the opportunity to gain important information at first hand but can also enjoy the attractive lounge and bar area, which has been a popular meeting place at every EuroShop for many years.

Umdasch on expansion course

In 2006 the Umdasch Shopfitting Group increased its turnover by almost 20 % to 201 million euros. In 2007 it is expected that there will be a further increase in turnover. The core brand Umdasch-Shop-Concept, which operates in the non-food area, contributes some two thirds of this, while one third can be attributed to the core brand Assmann Shop Design (focal point: food/ health and beauty articles). In German-speaking countries the Umdasch Shopfitting Group has set up a comprehensive sales network; in many other European countries and in the United Arab Emirates it has established subsidiary companies. It is also very active with partner concerns and in the field of direct exports. The reference list of Umdasch and Assmann currently includes names like DM, Elektro Haas, Esprit, Hugo Boss, Humanic, H&M, Intersport Eybl, Kastner & Öhler, KTM, Levi’s, OMV, Polo Ralph Lauren, Nike, REWE/Billa, Spar, Stiefelkönig, Swatch, Thaila Thun etc.

At the beginning of September 2007 Umdasch opened an InfoCenter at its company headquarters in Amstetten. This houses, for example, the Umdasch ShopShow, Europe’s permanently up-to-date shopfitting fair, which covers a floor area of 800 m² and also includes a spacious seminar and training centre.

The Umdasch Shopfitting Group can currently draw on its production centres at the company headquarters in Amstetten, as well as in Leibnitz and Gleinstätten (all in Austria), Oberentfelden (Switzerland), Neidenstein (Germany), Parma (Italy), České Budějovice (Czech Republic) and in Dubai (UAE). A worldwide sourcing network has also been built up. The recent purchase of the company Jonas, Oberhausen, provides the Umdasch Shopfitting Group with a considerably increased capacity and expertise, especially in the field of international project management.

Since 12.9.2007 Diplom-Volkswirt Helmut Neher has been the member of the board of the Umdasch Concern with special responsibility for shopfitting (Umdasch Shopfitting Group). Further members of the board are the Managing Director, Dr. Reinhold Süßenbacher (Chairman) and Ing. Josef Kurzmann (who has special responsibility for Doka Formwork Technology). In 2006 the company achieved a total turnover of 891 million euros (an increase of 23 %). In 2007 the turnover will break through the one-billion-euro barrier. The company currently employs some 7,000 staff members worldwide.

A bird’s eye view of the "circular architecture", draped in fabic, which is a feature of the Umdasch trade fair stand at the EuroShop 2008: