Westwing: Turnover decline in the second quarter

Westwing generated revenues of €103 million in the second quarter of 2022 (Q1 2022: €132 million). According to the online furnishing store, this corresponds to a decline of 22 percent compared to the previous year. Of this, 58.5 million euros were generated in the DACH region (- 21.7 %). The company cites increasingly low consumer demand in the home & living segment as the reason for the decline in sales. However, Westwing's structural growth compared to before the pandemic is still attractive. The company claims to be able to realise an average annual growth rate of +21% with its business model (Q2 2019: €58m), thus proving its good positioning in a challenging market environment.

Zollanvari in-house event with broad programme

Following the success of its 75th anniversary event this January, Zollanvari is inviting customers to a three-day in-house exhibition at its Zurich showroom. From 3 to 5 October 2022, the new products for 2023 will be presented - accompanied by an extensive supporting programme.

Book introduction: From Myth to Art – Anatolian Kilims

When impressed by a newly released book, one should be careful if tempted to refer to it in such language as “the defining new textbook”. But Ali Riza Tuna’s English-language book Anatolian Kilims truly is of that stature as a work that illuminates Anatolian carpets from every angle, and therefore is heartily recommended reading for all carpet lovers.

Rugs are the number 1 outdoor trend

According to Cozy Living, rugs are the outdoor living trend of the year. According to research by the homeware and furniture platform, outdoor rugs were the most searched for on Google in the last 12 months, with almost 3.1 million queries, well ahead of outdoor kitchens or outdoor bars.

XXXLutz: Second furnishing store opens in Switzerland

The XXXLutz Group is continuing its expansion in Europe. After entering the Swiss market in 2018 with the first branch in Rothrist/Zurich, the second XXXLutz furniture store opened in Dietikon on 2 August 2022. A full range of Swiss brands as well as international brands will be presented here on approx. 13,000 square metres.

Roller recruits online experience to the management level

Roller brings in two experienced managers from the online sector to strengthen the company's management. The German furniture discounter has its sights set on omnichannel retailing with its strategy for the future. Susan Kröber takes over as Head of Human Resources. Previously, she was HR Director at the Witt Group. Kröber thus replaces Michael Klarenaar after 30 years with the company, who will assist the management in an advisory capacity until his retirement.

The logistics division will be managed by Dr. Kirstin Hüttner-Tong from 01.08.2022. In this function, she will report directly to the Managing Director of Purchasing and Logistics, Andreas Mauz. In her last position at Home 24, Hüttner-Tong was already responsible for the entire procurement logistics and supply chain management.

Carpet Week Hamburg takes place again in September

After the successful premiere in May, Carpet Week Hamburg is already going into the second round in September. From 12 to 18 September, 16 Hamburg carpet suppliers will together open their warehouses and showrooms. The September date was chosen to give customers a comprehensive opportunity to discover new products in good time before the start of the season, to find out about the market and product ranges, to exchange ideas in person and, of course, to order goods.

Pakistan International Carpet Exhibition in September in Lahore

The 38th edition of the Pakistan International Carpet Exhibition will be held in Lahore from 20 to 22 September 2022. The exhibition is organised by PCMEA, the Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association in collaboration with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan. The event will again be held at the Pearl Continental Hotel. New product lines, fresh designs and colours, as well as a large selection of hand-knotted stock goods will be on display.

Change of leadership at Ikea Germany

Walter Kadnar will become the new Country Retail Manager & CSO Ikea Germany starting 1 October 2022. He takes over the position from Dennis Balslev, who will be Deputy Core Business Franchise Manager for the Inter Ikea Group in the future.