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. 
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.