The Spanish ceramic tile sector showed signs of stabilization in 2024 with slight increases in production, domestic sales, and employment despite a 0.9% drop in overall turnover to €4.819 billion [U.S. $5.24 billion]. Exports remain dominant at 72% of sales, with the United States as the top market.
The world's largest home improvement retailer beat Q4 expectations with sales reaching $39.7 billion, boosted by an extra week in the quarter, while announcing a 2.2% dividend increase despite a cautious 2025 outlook.
The $33.4 billion flooring industry faces extinction-level events as Asian manufacturing dependency, workforce instability, and distribution disruption reshape the landscape. Winners embrace technology while traditionalists falter. The next 24 months will determine who survives the great consolidation—are you standing on the right side?
Floor & Decor reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter results as profits rose 28% to $47.5 million despite a slight comparable store sales decline, demonstrating resilience amid challenging market conditions. The flooring retailer plans continued expansion with 25 new stores in 2025.
Swedish flooring manufacturer Kährs Group saw Q4 2024 sales decline 11%. The company completed its Russian operations divestment and secured new bond financing while focusing on production efficiency and market expansion amid challenging conditions.
Mohawk Industries reported fourth-quarter 2024 earnings that exceeded expectations, despite ongoing challenges in the housing market and soft residential demand.
Economic forecaster Connor Lokar predicts better years ahead for flooring retailers in 2025-2026, with existing home sales rising for the first time since 2022. While not matching 2021's explosive growth, the industry should see steady improvement.
The U.S. economy is expected to maintain momentum in 2025 with projected GDP growth of 2-2.5%, according to NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz. Strong consumer spending, cooling inflation, and a robust labor market point to continued economic resilience despite monetary policy challenges.
Swedish flooring manufacturer Kährs Group reported mixed results for the third quarter of 2024 due to continued weak demand in a cautious market primarily for new construction in the Nordics and North America.
Brazil, the world's fourth-largest natural stone producer and leading U.S. supplier, is intensifying efforts to expand its market presence through export incentives and education.
