XXXLutz: Central warehouse in Zurndorf is being expanded

Since the completion of building phase 1, the new central warehouse in Zurndorf, Austria, has served as the central goods supply point for Central and South-Eastern Europe, partly also as an e-commerce warehouse for the online shops of the XXXLutz Group. A total of 120,000 m2 of space has been created, which, due to the stacking capability in the warehouse, results in a total storage area of 280,000 m2.

Survey: Modern flatweaves and high-quality machine-woven carpets

While rapidly approaching the new year, the Carpet Home survey picks up on two highly popular rug & carpet types:

1. Modern flatweaves
2. High-quality machine-woven carpets

Here is the link to the survey. Have fun taking part!

Home & Flooring Expo has started!

Home & Flooring Expo 2021, SN-Verlag's first digital trade fair has just started. The site is German-language only, exhibitors can also be contacted in other languages, of course. The online fair runs until Friday, 5 November; the visit is completely free of charge.

Click here for visitor registration for Home & Flooring Expo 2021

Balta: Slight increase in turnover in Q3

With a turnover of EUR 151.5 million in the third quarter, carpet producer Balta was up 4.9 % on the same period last year. Sales in Rugs (+8.7 %) and Commercial (+9.9 %) increased, while sales in the Residential division decreased by -3.6 %. The largest contributor to Balta's sales continues to be area rugs (EUR 52.5 million in Q3). Especially in the USA sales were good.

Sustainability: These are the customers' priorities

In its latest consumer report, the Initiative Digitale Handelskommunikation (IDH) again analysed the importance of sustainability for consumers. (IDH is an initiative of leading providers in the field of digital trade communication.) The result: 86% of consumers are (very) interested in sustainability, which their purchasing decisions directly reflect. However, this mostly concerns groceries.

"Lust for Carpets" exhibition in Munich

From 20 October to 20 November, the focus at Munich's "Galerie Handwerk" will be on handmade carpets: the gallery will show traditional examples such as rag rugs from southern Germany, but also modern designer carpets from German workshops and studios and from other European countries. From minimalist, graphic designs to floral images and new interpretations of the "Persian carpet", the exhibition aims to awaken the visitors' desire for carpets and rugs.

24th Höffner store (Kiel) has opened

The new Höffner furniture store in Kiel has opened (size: about 40.000 m2); the 24th branch will be celebrating this for three days: from 28 to 30 October. Höffner is now sponsor of the successful handball club THW Kiel, which is also on site on the opening days and will soon be competing with Höffner lettering on their jerseys.

Schöner Wohnen: New website

The Schöner Wohnen collection has a new website with a modern design. In addition to the extensive product range, consumers can find instructions, catalogues and lots of additional information there. There is no webshop; instead, the site offers a dealer search and ordering options for partner shops.

Digital trade fair Home & Flooring Expo starts 2 November: Register now for free

The first digital trade fair of SN-Verlag and Carpet Home will start on 2 November: Home & Flooring Expo 2021. Interested trade visitors can already register for a free visit to the fair: click here

ABC Carpet & Home sold to investors

The New York City retailer ABC Carpet & Home is being sold to an investment consortium, according to an article the New York Post published on 22 October. The investment fund called 888 Capital Partners LLP is said to be "a consortium of investors with multi-generational experience in home goods and consumer products", a spokeswoman for ABC said according to the New York Post.