Retail Trends 2026: Online event by the Frankfurt consumer goods fairs

On 27 August 2025 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld invite you to their free online event “Retail Trends 2026” as part of the Digital Academy. Renowned retail futurist Kate Ancketill will explore key developments in global retail – from digital assistants to international concepts and new forms of customer engagement.

PAD expands sales team across German-speaking markets

PAD is setting the course for the future and significantly strengthening its sales force. New additions include Rico Fischer, Felix Mundzeck, Nickie Pageler, Nina Trefzer, Maxie-Marie Förstner, Manuela Boehm and Peter Fischer.

Dutch retail sector sees growth

According to the Dutch statistics office CBS, retail sales in the Netherlands rose by 3.3% in June 2025 compared to June 2024. Sales in the non-food sector increased by 3.1%, with the volume of goods sold up 2.9% year-on-year. Dutch furniture and home furnishing stores also recorded higher revenues. Online sales were 6.9% higher than in the same month the previous year.

Hometex Winter, Bad Salzuflen: Rugs move further into focus

On 19 and 20 November 2025, SN-Verlag – publisher of Carpet Home and BTH Heimtex – invites the industry to Hometex Winter at the Bad Salzuflen Exhibition Centre. In addition to fashionable home textiles such as bed linen and towelling, the trade fair will once again focus on interior textiles and rugs. Renowned exhibitors such as Theko, Paulig, OCI, Golze, Ipek, Oritop and Ragolle were already present in 2024. This year, the rugs segment will benefit from a significantly expanded exhibition area with direct access to the central trade fair lounge – ensuring high visibility and short walking distances.

Carpet Home III/2025 is out now

The latest issue focuses on efficiency and customisation in the rug trade. Our cover story highlights how Golze is using digital tools to enhance sales and customer service. In an interview, Theresa Paulig explains why custom-made rugs are a team effort between retailers and manufacturers. A special feature explores the potential of flatweaves. And our retail report – including an interview with Kibek managing director Lisa Sachau – shows how the company is setting new standards with its latest store concept.

Benuta invests in future-ready infrastructure

With the groundbreaking ceremony for the "Benuta one Campus", online rug retailer Benuta has launched a major infrastructure project. Covering more than 22,800 sqm, the new full-service campus in Bornheim near Bonn is tailored to the needs of modern direct-to-consumer brands.

Koelnmesse launches IMM India in New Delhi

Koelnmesse, in cooperation with leading industry associations, is launching IMM India – a new B2B platform for the Indian interior market. The inaugural edition will take place from 11 to 14 March 2026 at the India International Convention and Expo Centre (IICC) in New Delhi, bringing together international brands and over 5,000 buyers.

Victoria Group reports decline in revenue

For the second year in a row, UK-based Victoria Group – which includes rug manufacturers Balta Home and Ragolle – has reported declining revenues. In the 2024/25 financial year, earnings fell by 9.1% to GBP 1.12 billion (EUR 1.29 billion). The group experienced significant losses particularly in the UK and Europe.

Medipa invests EUR 50 million in logistics campus

Carpet supplier Medipa has launched the Medipa Eco Campus – a EUR 50 million project to strengthen its European logistics infrastructure. On a 75,000 sqm site in Alfter near Bonn, the company is building a sustainable, fully automated facility with 40,000 sqm of logistics space as well as modern office, showroom and R&D areas.

John Feizy has passed away

John Feizy, founder of Feizy Rugs (Dallas, USA) and a key figure in the international rug industry, passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 83. He founded his company in 1973 and over more than five decades built it into one of the leading suppliers of handmade and machine-made rugs in the United States.