GADOTT Opens First Luxury Bathware Experience Centre in New Delhi India: GADOTT has opened its first Luxury Experience Centre in Rajouri Garden, New Delhi, marking its entry into experience-led retail in the Indian bathware market. The centre is intended to serve as a physical platform for showcasing the brand’s bath fittings, shower systems, wellness products and accessories, allowing architects, designers and homeowners to view and assess products in a single location. The

Systemceram Reports Kitchen Ceramics Growth in 2025 Germany: Systemceram recorded overall sales growth of 4.8 percent in the 2025 financial year, with performance led by its kitchen ceramics division, which increased by 11.6 percent compared with the previous year. The bathroom ceramics and OEM segment grew by 5.1 percent, while laboratory ceramics declined by 7 percent, reflecting project-related variations in contract demand. The company attributed the kitchen segment’s per

LIXIL Reports Earnings Growth Driven by Renovation Demand and International Markets Japan: LIXIL reported higher core earnings for the third quarter of the financial year ending March 2026, supported by renovation demand in Japan and improved performance in selected international markets. Revenue for the nine-month period reached JPY 1,138,500 million (USD 7,700 million / EUR 7,100 million), a marginal decline year on year. In Japan, higher sales of renovation products in wat

Italy Confirms Extension of Bathroom Renovation Tax Bonus for 2026 Italy: Italian Government has confirmed that the bathroom renovation tax bonus will be extended through 2026 under the same conditions applied in 2025. The measure maintains a tax deduction of 50 percent for main residences and 36 percent for second homes and other properties. This decision delays the previously planned reduction of the deduction rates to 36 percent and 30 percent, which has now been postponed

Home Improvement Experience Centre in Hyderabad India: ABC Spacery, a comprehensive home improvement experience centre, will be officially inaugurated in Hyderabad on Wednesday. The company is a result of an alliance between ABC Group International, Patel Marketing, and Subha Gruha Group, and has a presence across 9 countries, including the Middle East and Africa, with a portfolio of over 1,000 brands. The centre brings together global sensibilities, craftsmanship, and innova

AkijBashir and Anwar Landmark Bangladesh: AkijBashir Group and Anwar Landmark Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on January 28, 2026, initiating a strategic collaboration to expand access to AkijBashir’s premium building materials portfolio for Anwar Landmark’s authorized members and clientele. Under the agreement, AkijBashir Group will provide a dedicated premium sourcing and fulfillment facility through its flagship emporium “Selections,” ensuring guide

Bathroom ITALY: Vismaravetro Srl has announced the acquisition of the bathroom furniture business unit of Koh-I-Noor, a historic name in the sector. The transaction, finalized on 17 December 2025 and effective from 1 January 2026, marks a significant step in the company’s growth under the leadership of the Vismara family. The acquisition reinforces Vismaravetro’s strategy to broaden its design scope in bathroom furniture, with particular emphasis on the contract and hospitali

Rotpunkt Küchen Records Strong Growth Despite Challenging Market Conditions GERMANY: Rotpunkt Küchen closed the 2025 financial year with a 6.25% increase in sales, reaching a record US$ 123.1 million (€103.7 million), despite weak new-build activity and cautious consumer demand. Growth was driven by higher average values per kitchen order, alongside a 2.3% rise in volumes. The company reported positive performance in Germany and stable exports, which account for 80% of sales,

Flamme Küchen und Möbel to Close All Stores and End Operations in 2026 GERMANY: The long-established family business Flamme Küchen und Möbel has announced that it will cease all business activities in 2026, bringing nearly a century of operations to an end. Founded in 1929 in Bremen, the kitchen and furniture retailer will close its six stores located in Bremen, Berlin, Frankfurt, Fürth, Hanover and Munich. Managing Director Tina Flamme said the decision followed extensive co

KEDA Ghana Eyes Further Expansion Following Major Local Manufacturing Investment GHANA: KEDA (Ghana) Ceramics Company Ltd. is planning to expand its international sales footprint after investing around US$ 300 million in local manufacturing since 2017. The company, which estimates it now holds about 45% of Ghana’s domestic ceramics market, is considering a second-phase sanitary ware production line that could attract a further US$ 200–500 million in investment. The move would

Clerici Strengthens Rome Presence with Five Strategic Acquisitions ROME: Italian distribution group Clerici has accelerated its expansion in Rome through five strategic acquisitions, reinforcing its position in the Lazio region. The company has acquired 100% of Termoidraulica Agostini e Figli, ARYA Group, Lazioterm and Home Distribuzione, and signed a binding agreement to purchase Puntoclima. These businesses are leading distributors of hydronic, heating, air conditioning and

Home Depot Launches AI Tool to Speed Up Project Material Planning for Trades USA: Home Depot has launched Material List Builder AI, a new digital tool designed to help professional tradespeople create accurate project material lists in minutes rather than hours. The AI interprets project requirements and generates organised, phase-by-phase material lists, reducing manual searching and errors. Users can input details through natural language descriptions, voice-to-text, pasted

Wickes UK: Wickes Group plc reported continued sales growth across all areas of its business in the six months ended 27 December 2025, with group revenue rising 6.3% year on year. Growth in the second half of 2025 was driven by higher volumes despite a mildly deflationary pricing environment, supporting further market share gains. Retail revenue increased 6.2%, led by an 8% rise in TradePro sales, while DIY sales recorded mid-single digit growth supported by higher customer t

Japanese Smart Toilet Seats Gain Long-Awaited Acceptance in the US JAPAN: After decades of resistance, Japanese electronic bidet toilet seats, led by Toto Ltd.’s Washlet, are finally gaining traction in the US market. First launched 45 years ago, the Washlet struggled with cultural barriers and advertising restrictions. Acceptance improved in the 2010s as US tourists experienced Washlets abroad and shared positive feedback online. A major breakthrough came when Amazon began s

Family Leisure Becomes Exclusive Retail Partner for Sundance Spas UNITED STATES: Family Leisure has entered into an exclusive retail partnership with Jacuzzi Group, becoming the sole retailer of Sundance Spas across its operating markets. Under the agreement, the Indianapolis-based home recreation retailer will offer Sundance Spas and Jacuzzi products at all 10 of its locations nationwide, expanding its showroom portfolio with advanced hydrotherapy and wellness-focused spas.

Lorazzo Raises About USD 0.6 million Seed Funding to Expand Smart Kitchen and Bath Solutions INDIA: Smart kitchen and bathroom fittings brand Lorazzo has raised approximately USD 0.6 million (Rs 5 crore) in a seed funding round led by Sprout Venture Partners and First Cheque by India Quotient, with participation from Chandigarh Angel Network and other angel investors. Founded in 2024, the company will use the funds to drive product innovation, strengthen its design and techno

RAK Ceramics Partners with Birla Pivot to Expand Tiles and Bathware Distribution in India India: RAK Ceramics India Private Limited has entered into a strategic partnership with Birla Pivot, the digital-first B2B commerce platform of Grasim Industries Limited under the Aditya Birla Group, to expand distribution of its tiles and bathware portfolio in India. Under the agreement, Birla Pivot will distribute RAK Bathware, KLUDI Bathware and RAK Tiles across its nationwide dealer

Luxury Bath Brand Bello Enters Exclusive Partnership with Luxury Products Group United States/Canada: Bello Joins Luxury Products Group as Exclusive Vendor Partner as the luxury bath brand entered into an exclusive partnership with Luxury Products Group (LPG) just one year after launching in the North American market. Through the collaboration, Bello will work closely with LPG members and staff to promote and support its portfolio of luxury bathtubs, vanities, LED mirrors, me

Strengthen Domestic Retail Focus Vietnam: Hoa Sen Group, one of Vietnam’s largest steel producers, has carved out its building materials and home furnishings retail business into a new subsidiary, Hoa Sen Home, as it shifts focus toward the domestic market amid continued export volatility. Hoa Sen Group owns 99% of Hoa Sen Home JSC, which was incorporated on January 5 with a charter capital of USD 38 million. Headquartered in Thu Duc ward, Ho Chi Minh City, the subsidiary man

Sanitary Ware Powerhouse three quarters of 2025, with key indicators, including fixed-asset investment, infrastructure investment, real estate development investment, and total agricultural output value, all ranking first in the province in growth speed. The data was released on January 19 in Guangzhou at a press conference reviewing Guangdong’s development under the 14th Five-Year Plan, 2021 to 2025. Located in eastern Guangdong, Chaozhou is widely known as China’s “Ceramic