Although the Dutch market is not currently making any dramatic leaps, Patrick Janssens, co-owner of Janssens Oriënt Tilburg, looks back on the past year with satisfaction. "There is always room for improvement," he says soberly, "but we have gained some excellent new customers." The biggest surprise? The substantial growth in project-based assignments.
Whereas Janssens Oriënt Tilburg traditionally supplies a lot to retailers, the company is now seeing increasing demand from the project market. "We have acquired a remarkable number of new customers this year who furnish expat homes, holiday parks, vacation homes, and hotels, not only in the Netherlands but also abroad," Janssens says.
In addition, negotiations with larger clients are ongoing, and retailers from Eastern Europe are finding it increasingly easy to work with the Tilburg company. "They often come to us through furniture connections. They get stuck with their current suppliers and then turn to us. Our flexibility, especially in terms of customisation, is truly our strength."
Dutch market remains cautious
The domestic market, however, shows a mixed picture. Larger chains and wholesalers in particular are struggling. "And we notice that too. Innovations we present are not immediately picked up. Many retailers simply still have enough stock."
Still, 2025 is clearly better for Janssens Oriënt Tilburg than 2024. "We are satisfied with how things are going. Of course we work on improving every day. We are constantly moving: new products, new raw materials, new markets."
© Leo Elenbaas | InteriorDaily.com
Brothers Patrick (left) and Michael Janssens posing at a latest new development: hand-knotted rug Amba made of hand-spun wool and natural silk, accounting for some 180,000 knots per m2.
Advice to retailers: 'Keep moving'
What is striking is the growth in online sales, while physical shops are slipping a little. Janssens has a clear message for retailers: stay active. "Make sure you stay visible. Not only online, but also change your shop window regularly. A wait-and-see attitude will not help you."
Janssens Orient Tilburg produces everything in-house, allowing the company to switch gears at lightning speed. "Whether someone buys one rug or a whole container, everyone is equally important. We help every customer get exactly what they are looking for as best we can."
According to Patrick, the need for durable, high-quality rugs is growing. "Online, you are flooded with rugs that can be thrown away after six months. That is not what we want. More and more consumers are opting for better qualities that last a long time."
Robotisation increases
Due to the shortage of artisans, especially in manufacturing countries like India, robotisation is increasing in the carpet industry. "A machine can do almost anything, pile height, density, you name it. But that human touch remains necessary, and that makes us feel positive."
Innovation is important, but commerce remains leading. "We mainly stay in the safe colours and designs, because those sell best. But we continue to innovate, which is where our expertise comes into its own."
Pressure on prices
The market is changing, and producers notice this immediately. "The dollar is weaker, containers are paid in dollars, as are raw materials. In production countries, wages, energy costs and housing costs are rising. That puts pressure on prices," Janssens explains.
Nevertheless, production in countries like India remains the most profitable for the time being. "In Europe, it's almost impossible."
What drives Patrick Janssens personally is the dynamism of entrepreneurship. "Every day is different. Our challenge is to develop rugs that make customers happy and that they can earn something from."
Cultural diversity plays a role in this. "It is wonderful to work with people from different cultures to create something that catches on all over the world. Designing a suitable garment for all those types of people, that's the art."
And then there is something else: the joy of success. "Making successful carpets, creating something beautiful together... you never get tired of that. It's even addictive," he concludes.
More information:
Janssens Orient Tilburg
Zevenheuvelenweg 2
5048 AN Tilburg
013 468 59 41
[email protected]
www.janssens-orient.nl
Carpet Rebel
www.carpetrebel.com
Perez Rugs
www.perezvloerkleden.nl
