Editor-in-chief of trade magazine "Möbelmarkt" passes away

On Thursday, 15 April, the editor-in-chief of the trade magazine "Möbelmarkt" died at the age of 67 after a short, serious illness. Helmut "Max" Merkel joined the magazine in 1988, then ran his own advertising agency for a few years and returned to "Möbelmarkt" in 1999, where he became editor-in-chief.

Ebay starts project for local online-marketplaces

Together with ten German cities, Ebay Germany is launching a project to strengthen local trade. "Ebay – Deine Stadt" ("Ebay – Your City") is designed to enable cities and municipalities to set up local online marketplaces.

Amini / ABC Italia now Step partner

Amini and its parent company ABC Italia are now partners of Label Step. The non-profit organisation with headquarters in Switzerland has the goal of improving the living and working conditions of carpet weavers.

Domotex Digital Days in May cancelled

From 19 to 21 May, the floor coverings industry was to meet online for the "Domotex Digital Days"; the event has now been cancelled. Initially, the response from exhibitors had been very positive. However, after various online events, "digital fatigue" had set in – with the result that there were not enough registrations for the Digital Days. Rather than forcing the online event to take place, the Domotex team are now putting their energy into the on-site event in Hanover in January 2022.

High Point Market with over 60 new showrooms

The US furniture trade fair High Point Market, originally planned for mid-April 2021, had already been rescheduled to 5 – 9 June at the end of last year. A good decision, because the Covid vaccinations are progressing and the showrooms in High Point, North Carolina, are being booked accordingly, with more than 60 new, relocated, expanded and recommitted showrooms. Loloi Rugs, for example, has increased its showroom space by around 10% to over 27,000 ft2 (over 2500 m2). Jaipur Rugs will also be there.

Deutsche Messe: Alexander Wurst is leaving

Alexander Wurst (52) is leaving Deutsche Messe on 30 September 2021, after working for the company for a total of 19 years. Since 2008 he has been responsible for the International Trade Fairs Division with Domotex, Ligna, Interschutz, Labvolution and Didacta.

Christie's: Virtual tour for auction on 1 April

Christie's upcoming auction ("Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds Including Oriental Rugs and Carpets") will feature works of art spanning four centuries from across the Middle East, Asia and Europe. Highlights include a magnificent Qajar group portrait and a the superbly preserved silk and metal-thread Safavid "Polonaise" carpet that once belonged to Prince Pio Falcò.

Otto: 30% increase in turnover in the financial year 2020/21

After a "restrained" start into the financial year 2020/21 due to the pandemic, Otto reported an overall increase in turnover of 30 % (from around 3.5 to 4.5 billion EUR). The Hamburg-based online retailer published the figures in a press release.

Ikea Switzerland introduces its own app

"Probably the smallest Ikea furniture store" – this is how Ikea Switzerland describes its new app for shopping via smartphone or tablet. Users can order Ikea products online, prepare their shopping in the store or create lists of personal favourites. A feed presents new personalised inspirations every day; the Ikea Family card can also be loaded into the app. At the same time, Ikea assures users of full data security. The app for iOS and Android is available since 22 March.

German furniture trade with slight plus in 2020

EUR 23,767 billion was the total turnover the 30 largest German furniture retailers had in the calendar year 2020 – a plus of 1.2 %, compared to 2019. This is reported by the trade journal "Möbelkultur" in its current extra edition "Möbelkultur Umsatz 2021".