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The Salone del Mobile in Milan remained a premier hotspot for the design and furnishing world again this year. Between 21 and 26 April, organisers recorded a total of 316,342 visitors from 167 countries at the Rho trade fair grounds. The share of international trade visitors remained steady at 68 per cent, underlining the event's significance as a tool for internationalisation and business development.
The insolvency administrator for Hammer Raumstylisten GmbH announced on 22 April 2026 that the two interested parties have withdrawn from the sales process. Although a new investor has expressed interest, there are significant doubts as to whether liquidation and the cessation of business operations can still be prevented. In preparation for the closure and the termination of operative business activities, all employment contracts will be terminated within April with a maximum notice period of three months.
The London sale “The Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds” on 30 April 2026 features over 80 selected rugs and carpets, with a focus on museum-grade provenance. The auction is led by the floral Toledo Mughal carpet from India, recently deaccessioned from the Toledo Museum of Art. Of particular historical significance is the Safavid Holms Hepburn Coronation carpet, which was used during the coronations of British Kings Edward VII and George V.
The auction house Sotheby’s will host the "Arts of the Islamic World and India" sale in London on 29 April 2026. The auction features a highly curated selection of just six carpets, including two pieces from the prestigious Lewis and Susan Manilow collection.
German e-commerce remains unaffected by general consumer restraint and recorded a significant increase in turnover in the first quarter of 2026. According to the German E-commerce and Distance Selling Trade Association (BEVH), revenues rose by 3.6% compared to the same period last year, reaching a total of EUR 20.4 billion. The furnishing cluster developed particularly well, generating growth of 2.4% with a total turnover of EUR 3.66 billion.
Following its insolvency in 2025, Carpetright is returning to the Dutch market with a radically restructured business model. The brand will henceforth operate without physical stores, functioning as a pure-play online retailer focused on professional in-home consultancy. This relaunch of Carpetright IP BV is led by former executives Gideon Tienkamp and Maikel Hofman, supported by the new investor De Verfzaak, a well-known paint and wallpaper retailer.