Orlando Focuses on Affordability Challenges at IBS 2026 USA: At the International Builders’ Show (IBS) 2026 held in Orlando, affordability emerged as a central concern for the housing and construction industry, with major discussions on how escalating costs are affecting buyer demand and market confidence. Participants, including builders and industry experts, highlighted that high home prices, mortgage rates and supply‑side pressures are constraining housing affordability, p

RMIL Launches Country’s First Eco-Friendly Passivation-Polished Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink Bangladesh: RMIL a subsidiary of RFL Group, on February 7 introduced the country’s first eco-friendly passivation-polished stainless steel kitchen sink at the RFL head office in Badda, unveiled by Managing Director RN Paul. Manufactured using advanced molds, DDQ-grade stainless steel sheets and multi-stage deep drawing technology, the sink eliminates heat-based annealing, reducing ene

Duravit AG Receives Gold Medal Recognition from EcoVadis GERMANY: Duravit AG has secured a Gold Medal in the EcoVadis sustainability assessment for its Hornberg site, upgrading from Silver. EcoVadis is a globally recognised framework that evaluates companies across environment, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. The achievement reflects Duravit’s strengthened sustainability performance and ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions across all scopes

Masco Reports Lower 2025 Sales and Issues 2026 Earnings Outlook United States: Masco Corporation reported fourth-quarter 2025 net sales of USD 1.79 billion (EUR 1.65 billion), down 2% year-on-year. Full-year 2025 net sales fell 3% to USD 7.56 billion (EUR 6.96 billion). Plumbing Products recorded sales growth in both the quarter and the full year, while Decorative Architectural Products reported a decline. The company said fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share declined t

Cyprus Retailer SuperHome Center Joins EDRA/GHIN Network Cyprus: SuperHome Center, a home improvement and DIY retailer operating across Cyprus, has joined EDRA/GHIN with immediate effect. The company said its first store opened in Nicosia in March 1999, introducing a department store format combining products and services for DIY projects and renovations. SuperHome Center currently operates six stores across four cities and offers more than 65,000 products across over 20 cate

The Growing Popularity of the Jigsaw Kitchen Concept USA: A “jigsaw kitchen” is a design strategy gaining traction among homeowners and designers who want a high‑end look without overspending. It mixes premium elements like stone worktops, statement backsplashes and designer appliances with more modest, cost‑efficient components such as standard cabinetry or simpler hardware. The name reflects how different quality pieces are “pieced together” to create a cohesive, stylish ki

Sign MOU to Expand Smart Sanitary Ware Market Thailand: SCG Decor Public Company Limited (SCGD), a leading ceramics, surface decoration materials, and sanitary ware company in the ASEAN region, through Siam Sanitary Ware Company Limited (COTTO), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Switzerland-based AXENT, a specialist in smart sanitary ware technology, to explore comprehensive growth opportunities in the smart sanitary ware market across Southeast Asia. The pa

Q2 Profit Jumps India: V-Guard reported a strong performance Q2 profit jumps, with sales rising nearly 14% to Rs 495 crores (USD 59.0 million) and profit after tax increasing about 70% to Rs 39.2 crores (USD 4.7 million). Growth was driven primarily by its large product categories, with the water heater segment recording approximately 25% growth, while kitchen appliances in the small appliances category surged nearly 50% during the quarter. Margins expanded across all categor

Best of Houzz 2026 Powered by Houzz Pro Award Winners Revealed USA: Houzz Inc. has announced the winners of the Best of Houzz 2026 Powered by Houzz Pro awards, recognising top residential design, remodel and construction professionals as voted by the global Houzz community. The annual programme highlights the most outstanding professionals in categories such as design, customer service, innovation and photography, celebrating just the top 2 % of more than 3 million industry p

Showroom ABU DHABI: Hansgrohe Group, a global leader in premium bathroom and kitchen solutions, has officially inaugurated a new showroom on Najda Street in Abu Dhabi in partnership with Mac Al Gurg, a leading sanitaryware solutions provider and part of the Al Gurg Group. The showroom showcases an extensive portfolio of hansgrohe and AXOR faucets and shower systems, complemented by high-end sanitary ceramics, offering architects, designers, and homeowners an immersive, end-to

New Ace Hardware Store Opens in Mission Hills, California USA: A new Ace Hardware store has commenced operations in Mission Hills, California, officially opening to the public on 30 January. The store is located at 10349 Sepulveda Boulevard and spans 15,000 square feet. It carries a variety of established brands and offers multiple services aimed at supporting local homeowners and do-it-yourself enthusiasts. A grand opening event, including promotional sales, is tentatively s

Showrooms Adapting to a More Disciplined Market in 2026 USA: The article discusses how kitchen and bath showrooms are adapting to a more structured and disciplined market environment in 2026. After several years of rapid growth and disruption, the industry is entering a more balanced phase where spending decisions are more carefully planned and guided by professionals. Distributors and showroom operators are redefining the role of showrooms, focusing not only on product displ

Indonesia’s Per Capita Ceramic Consumption Remains Low in ASEAN Region Indonesia: Ceramic consumption in Indonesia remains comparatively low within the Southeast Asian region, according to data from the Ministry of Industry. The country's domestic ceramic consumption currently stands at 2.5 square metres per capita, which is below the levels observed in other ASEAN member states. The information was conveyed by Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita during his addres

Chinese Authorities Raid Counterfeit Sanitaryware Operations Linked to International Brands China: Chinese authorities have conducted a raid on two counterfeiting operations in Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province, following months of investigation initiated by sanitaryware manufacturer Hansgrohe. The company commissioned undercover investigators to identify the locations of counterfeit networks. With sufficient evidence collected, the Kaiping Public Security Bureau carried out

X Bathware Launches Premium Bathware Brand in Bangladesh BANGLADESH: X Bathware has entered Bangladesh’s premium bathware market with a new brand unveiled at The Westin Dhaka, targeting high-end residential, hospitality and commercial projects. Inspired by Italian design, its products emphasise minimalism, functionality, durability and water efficiency, meeting international quality standards. The company cites rising demand for design-led, premium bathware amid growth in rea

Ikea India: IKEA India reported a slight decline in revenue for the fiscal year ending March 2025, with revenue from operations at US$ 193 million, down about 3.3% from the prior year. The company’s total losses widened to US$146 million, reflecting continued investment in expansion and infrastructure. Total income, including other sources, also fell nearly 4% for the year. IKEA India increased its spending on advertising and promotional activities, and its total borrowings r

India: Cera Sanitaryware reported an 11.1% year-on-year increase in Q3 FY26 revenue to US$55 million, while profitability declined due to higher input costs. EBITDA fell 14.0% to US$5.6 million, and margins contracted to 10.2% from 13.2%. Profits after tax dropped 48.4% to US$2.6 million, affected by rising brass prices and exceptional provisions linked to new labour codes. For the first nine months of FY26, revenue rose 5.2% to US$155 million, while profit declined 21.2%. Ma

Groupe Samse France: Groupe Samse reported consolidated revenue of US$ 546.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2025, down 4.5% compared with the same period in 2024 amid weak new housing construction and a stable renovation market. The trading business saw a 5.6% drop in revenue for the quarter, while the DIY segment remained broadly stable at US$108.5 million. For the full year, the group’s consolidated revenue reached US$2.271 billion, slightly below the prior year. The ann

Kludi Germany: Sanitary manufacturer Kludi is restructuring its international production network, resulting in job cuts at its headquarters in Menden, although the company did not disclose the number of positions affected. Employees have been informed and discussions with the works council and union have started. Management cited increased economic and political cost pressures as the reason for the move, following earlier restructuring measures announced in late 2024, when th

GC Group Expands Italian Footprint with Two New Family Businesses ITALY: The GC Group has strengthened its presence in Italy with the addition of Caielli & Ferrari and Acquatica SpA from the start of 2026. Operating under Cordes & Graefe Italia Holding, the new members gain access to group-wide logistics, digital platforms and collaborative synergies. As part of the expansion, the group is acquiring a central logistics hub at the Cisette (C7) site, to be operated by Cordes &