In Germany, the number of company bankruptcies rose by almost 17% in 2024 compared to the previous year, resulting in the highest number since 2017. The transport, storage and construction sectors were particularly hard hit. 
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In The Netherlands, 4,270 companies were declared bankrupt in 2024, an increase of more than 30% compared to 2023. Within the retail sector, which also includes the interior design industry, the number of bankruptcies in the third quarter of 2024 increased by 47% compared to the same quarter in 2023. Furniture and lighting stores in particular saw their turnover fall by 6.8%, while kitchen and flooring stores recorded a 4.4% increase in turnover.
The increase in bankruptcies in the interior design sector is due to various factors:
- Rising costs: Higher energy prices and labour costs are putting pressure on companies' margins.
- Staff shortages: Finding qualified personnel remains a challenge, leading to operational problems.
- Changing consumer behaviour: Consumers are spending less on non-essential goods, including interior design items.