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In Afghanistan, events are happening at a breakneck speed; the pictures and news make us feel deeply concerned. So how is the situation affecting the population, including the carpet-making population, we ask ourselves. What future awaits the people in this politically and economically very uncertain situation? And: How can the carpet trade help? On our site, Carpet Home will keep you informed; this article is constantly updated.
SN-Verlag, Carpet Home's publisher, is organising its first own digital trade fair from 2 to 5 November 2021: Home & Flooring Expo is aimed at a German-speaking trade audience from the retail, wholesale and craft sectors. It is a joint project of the five trade magazines BTH Heimtex, FussbodenTechnik, Parkett Magazin, Haustex and Carpet Home; for technical reasons the site is German-language only.
The Balta Group breathes a sigh of relief: Europe's largest manufacturer of textile floor coverings, which at times was hit very hard by the economic consequences of the Covid pandemic, reports a 19.5% jump in turnover for the first half of 2021 compared to the same period last year, to EUR 318.3 million.
The carpet world has lost one of its outstanding personalities. Alisha Alex Ahmadi passed away on 24 August in his hometown Los Angeles after a short, serious illness. Together with his brother Ahamad, he came to Hamburg in 1979, where he gathered experience with antique carpets. In 1990, the brothers moved to Los Angeles and founded Ariana Rugs
IMM Cologne will be back at the start in January 2022. "Looking ahead to January, we are already looking forward to discovering exciting innovations on site, creating face-to-face business and finally experiencing new things with all senses again," says Claire Steinbrück, Director of IMM Cologne. With a booking level of around 70 percent, well-known brands and manufacturers have already made a clear commitment to the fair. With a high proportion of foreign exhibitors, the imm cologne remains the marketplace for international exhibitors with strong participation from Europe. "The current level of registrations makes me optimistic about the future, but it is not yet a cause for euphoria. I would hope that even more companies would send a clear signal for a strong furnishing platform in Europe's most lucrative market with their participation," says Matthias Pollmann, Head of Trade Fair Management. 
In a short survey, Carpet Home is asking retailers questions on the topics of "Shapes – carpets beyond the rectangle" and "Berber & friends – cuddly ethno style".
For two years, retailers and suppliers have led a long-distance relationship characterised by teleconferences without textile touch. Now, at last, the industry can meet again on a grand scale: from 13 to 16 January 2022 at the Hanover Fairgrounds.