Press
Exhibition The World of Commerce12.05.2004
"The World of Commerce", an exhibit by the METRO Group, opened to the public today at Düsseldorf’s Ehrenhof. In a purpose-built structure, the company will be illustrating this fascinating, multifaceted branch of industry over the next four weeks. Visitors can delve into the past and study the present-day manifestations of trading, at the same time experiencing visions of the future of shopping.
"The World of Commerce" affords a peek behind the scenes of a sector which is internationally one of the most important branches of industry and one of the biggest employers", said Dr. Hans-Joachim Körber, Chief Executive Officer of METRO Group, at the opening ceremony. "The focus here is on issues which also influence and shape the METRO Group in no small measure: internationality, quality, advertising, logistics and shopping."
Each theme is presented within its own sensory dimension. The exhibit highlights the background of trading and retailing, pointing up the correlations which exist. Exhibits from the METRO Group archives, unusual interactive installations, historical as well as contemporary films and slides reflect the spirit of decades past and show how commerce works today. Finally, audio-visual installations shed light on shopping in the future.
A three-story pavilion was erected between the museum kunst palast and NRW-Forum to house "The World of Commerce", with around 1,000 square meters of exhibition space. The pavilion will be dismantled once the exhibit finishes.
The METRO Group’s exhibit marks the jubilee celebrations for three of its brands this year: Media Markt is celebrating its 25th anniversary, Metro Cash & Carry is turning 40 and Kaufhof looks back on a 125-year company tradition.
"The World of Commerce" is open every day of the week from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. up to June 11, 2004. Admission is free of charge.
Information on the exhibition more