Baluch Carpet Exhibition of Superlatives

Admittedly, a log cabin an hour and a half west of Norway's capital, Oslo, is not the most easily accessible place in the world. However, why it should be worth more than a passing thought for every carpet enthusiast to figure out how to reach this log cabin is explained by what it houses. Until 24 September 2023, you can admire the exhibition "Carpet art of the nomads" here, in Nyfossum, part of the Blaa Farve Vaerket museum, which is very well known in Norway. The event that organized by Lars Nygård and Jans Eskeland, revolves around the fascinating carpets and textiles of the Baluchi.

Conforma Switzerland with new CEO

At the beginning of the year, the XXXLutz Group took over Conforma Switzerland. According to a report in the Schweizer Handelszeitung, a change in management will now follow. On 1 August 2023, Jérôme Gilg is to take over the position of CEO. Until the beginning of 2023, he was CEO of the department stores' chain Manor AG.

PAD receives German Brand Award again

For the seventh time in a row, the designer label PAD has received the German Brand Award. As a trendy German home textiles brand, the company attaches great importance to sustainability. With its effective brand work, PAD was able to convince the jury in the discipline "Excellence in Brand Strategy and Creation" with its activities for Corporate Social Responsibility and win a Special Mention.

XXXLutz takes over Möbel Hesse

The XXXLutz Group is taking over Möbel Hesse with retrospective effect from 1 January 2023. The family-owned company, based in Hanover, employs over 270 people and is one of the largest furniture centres in northern Germany. According to the company, the contracts have been signed, but approval from the anti-trust authorities is still pending. The XXXLutz Group plans to continue to operate the established furniture stores in the Hanover region.

Begros: Managing Director Patrick Neuss leaves the company

A change in the management of Begros is imminent. Patrick Neuss will leave the purchasing group, which includes the furniture store chains Höffner, Porta and Möbel Martin. Neuss is leaving the company of his own volition and will move to another industry after 31 May 2024, it is said.

Domotex 2024: Current registration status approaching 2020 level

From 11 to 14 January 2024, Domotex 2024 in Hanover will once again present the worlds of floor coverings and carpets under one roof. In their latest press release, the organisers are optimistic: important international brand manufacturers have already announced their participation in the coming edition. "The response to Domotex 2024 has been huge, with many global brand manufacturers already confirming their participation," confirms Sonia Wedell-Castellano, Global Director Domotex at Deutsche Messe AG and continues: "The current number of registrations has not only exceeded last year's figures, but we're also approaching the size we had in 2020 once again."

Carpet and Rug Institute: Russ DeLozier appointed President

Russ DeLozier has been appointed president of the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), the US source for science-based information on carpet. With more than 30 years of industry experience, DeLozier has held prominent positions in corporate sustainability, chemical and floor covering manufacturing, and materials recycling. He took up his position on 1 June 2023 and is based in Dalton, Georgia. His previous involvement with CRI's EPR panel and recognition for outstanding volunteer service demonstrate his commitment to the advancement of the carpet industry. DeLozier holds a degree in chemical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

IMM Spring Edition with an international focus

As a trade visitor-only fair with a shortened duration, the IMM Spring Edition, which took place as a one-off event in Cologne from 4 to 7 June, offered around 30,000 industry participants from 116 countries a platform for business opportunities and networking. With a broad range of exhibits, the fair represented the entire spectrum of the furnishing industry. A total of 718 exhibiting companies from 43 countries showcased their products on a gross exhibition area of 120,000 square metres. The fair presented itself as extremely international: more than 50% of the visitors did not come from the host country Germany, also only 86 of the exhibitors were based in Germany.

Austria: Kika/Leiner closes 23 stores

After the takeover of Kika/Leiner, the new owner has now announced "far-reaching restructuring measures" to turn around the Austrian furniture store chain. Accordingly, it is planned to close 23 of the 40 stores and to cut 1900 of 3900 jobs. Hermann Wieser, the new managing director, told the newspaper Handelsblatt: "We started out to save Kika/Leiner. And we are now saving what can be saved." Deep and rapid cuts were necessary to ensure the survival of the company, he said.

Pieter Tops has died

Pieter Tops has passed away. He died on 30 May 2023. Born on 26 May 1947, he took his well-deserved retirement at the end of 2021 after working for many years as a sales representative in the carpet industry. In his last position, Tops had worked for the Belgian machine-woven rug manufacturer Ragolle since 1997.He worked as an independent sales representative, representing well-known companies such as Damoka, Talis and Arte Espina. Tops was known for his expertise, commitment and personable manner and enjoyed an excellent reputation in the industry. With Pieter Tops, the carpet industry loses a special personality.