Veiling Rhein-Maas expects to have closed the 2021 fiscal year with a product turnover of nearly 457 million euros. This is a significant increase over the previous year. Overall, the quantity of products supplied remained stable. The price development led to good average prices, which consumers were willing to pay due to an excellent demand. Given the ongoing corona pandemic, digital purchasing channels remained very popular. At the same time, physical clock auctions remained the most important sales channel in Straelen-Herongen thanks to stable customer participation. Product sales here increased by 13 percent in 2021, again higher than in the previous year.
Turnover increase in digital sales channels
The share of Buy-On-Demand to auction clock sales in 2021 stood at about 39 percent, which is again an increase compared to last year. Also, clock presales reached a new record turnover of 41 million Euro in 2021. Moreover, more and more customers and suppliers found their way to our webshop, so that a significant increase in sales was also achieved here. In addition to the digital sales channels, Klokservice also recorded a growth in the sale of potted plants and especially cut flowers compared to last year. In total, Klokservice achieved product sales worth over 100 million Euro for the first time last year.
Development in 4th quarter 2021 and adjustment of auction groups
The 4th quarter was also positive for Veiling Rhein-Maas. The pre-Christmas period in 2021, including the Advent and Christmas periods, was also characterized by high demand. Higher sales were achieved than in the previous year. Popular products included chrysanthemums for All Saints Day and, in the run-up to Christmas, especially amaryllis, gerberas, roses, exclusive products, euphorbias, or orchids, as well as plant arrangements with Christmas decorations. At the turn of the year, the auction groups were optimized to offer more clarity and to meet customers' wishes in this regard.
Expectations and developments 2022
Veiling Rhein-Maas is optimistic about 2022 and expects the strong demand to continue. In order to remain well positioned for the future, investments and innovations will continue to be made this year at the business park and in the auction building. These include new LED lights, a live stream from the auction room and the modernization of the foyer.
Source: Veiling Rhein-Maas