Ambiente: Messe Frankfurt to merge consumer goods fairs in 2023

German trade fair organiser Messe Frankfurt intends to create a new platform for the global consumer-goods industry. In a first step, the three trade fairs Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld will be held simultaneously for the first time from 3/4 to 7 February 2023 at the Frankfurt fairgrounds.

Purchasing association VME closes 2021 with a good result

The purchasing association Einrichtungspartnerring VME was able to realise a centrally regulated turnover of EUR 1.588 billion in 2021, despite the changeable conditions. According to VME, this corresponds to an increase of 16.5% compared to the previous year.

XXXLutz: 28,000 m2 store opens in Heidelberg

"The furniture store of superlatives" is what XXXLutz calls its new 28,000 m2 location in Heidelberg (Germany), which opens on 10 February. The furniture chain has invested more than 40 million euros in the new building; 250 employees work there, including store manager Frank Detert.

CEPC webinar on the current situation and trends

In the run-up to the India Carpet Expo planned for the end of March, the Indian carpet export promotion agency CEPC invites importers and buyers to an information webinar. The focus will be on the current situation of carpet production in India as well as a trend forecast.The event will take place on 23 February from 11:00 to 12:15 CET. Free registration is possible via this link: Registration Webinar

German Retail Association HDE expects increase in sales

The current business situation in the retail sector remains poor, especially among smaller companies. This is shown by a current survey of 1,300 retail companies conducted by the German Retail Association (HDE). According to the survey, many retailers are still suffering from the decline in sales caused by the restrictions. Assuming that the pandemic and the accompanying restrictions on shopping lose their significance in the near future, the HDE expects a nominal three percent increase in turnover for the entire industry in the current year.

India Carpet Expo announced for end of March

India's carpet export promotion council CEPC has announced the 42nd India Carpet Expo for 25 to 28 March 2022. The fair is to be held at NSIC Exhibition Complex in New Delhi.

XXXLutz invests EUR 25 million in Ludwigsburg

The Austrian XXXLutz Group is investing around EUR 25 million in the conversion and extension of the XXXLutz Mann Mobilia furniture store in Ludwigsburg (Germany), which opened in 1990. In the first construction phase, the four-storey building will be stripped and completely redesigned. Then, according to the company, work will begin on an extension which will increase the current sales area by 10,000 m² to 24,000 m².

Rippon Boswell: Carpet Auction Dates 2022

Rippon Boswell, the auction house specialised in the sale of special antique carpets, flatweaves and textiles, has announced its dates for 2022. As in previous years, three auctions are scheduled. On 19 March, the general carpet auction is to take place. Outstanding collector's items or special decorative antique rugs can be expected at the major spring auction on 28 May and major autumn auction on 26 November.

PAD strengthens sales team

PAD Home Design Concept is expanding its sales team: From 15 January, Claudia Welschoff has been supporting the northwest German team with Kerstin Brömmling and Lisa Beck. Welschoff's main area of responsibility is the expansion and stabilisation of strategic placements of seasonal collections in high-end specialist and retail stores. For the growing French market, PAD is sending Lisa Kuhlmann, a German-French national, on her travels; she will join the local sales team in February.

Indian sourcing digital fair especially for bulk buyers

The Indian export promotion agency for hand-woven textiles HEPC wants to organise a digital sourcing fair for home textiles, household textiles and floor coverings from 14 to 16 February. The fair is aimed at German and Belgian bulk buyers such as importers, wholesalers, buying associations or textile editors. Buyers can also arrange personal video meetings with exhibitors of their choice in advance. Interpreting services will be provided wherever necessary. Further information and registration at www.debe.ihhsfair.com