PANAMA - Panama's particleboard / MDP imports saw a significant rise in 2024, with total imports reaching USD 14.99 million, up 40.1% from USD 10.70 million in 2023. Ecuador remained the largest supplier country, accounting for USD 5.14 million in 2024, a 16.2%...
CHILE - Cencosud S.A. , through its Argentine subsidiaries, has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of Supermercados Mayoristas Makro S.A. and Roberto Basualdo S.A. for USD 122.5 million, a price that may be adjusted based on net debt, working capital, and other...
PERU - Peru's particleboard / MDP imports from January to December 2024 totaled USD 139.62 million, reflecting a 3.8% increase compared to USD 134.46 million in 2023. This growth was driven by a mix of changes in importer performance and shifts in supply sources....
VIETNAM - In January 2025, Hettich and FGV opened their first joint subsidiary, Hettich Vietnam. Following Hettich's acquisition of FGV in 2024, the two companies are offering tailored hardware solutions for Vietnam's growing furniture industry. Jana Schönfeld,...
NETHERLANDS - Ingka Investments, the investment arm of Ingka Group—the largest Ikea retailer—has announced a EUR 1 billion commitment to companies enhancing global recycling infrastructure. The move supports the transition to a circular economy, a key focus of Ingka’s...
ECUADOR - Promart Homecenter, the leading Peruvian home improvement chain, has opened its second store in Ecuador, located in Quito. Inaugurated on December 11, 2024, this new location strengthens the brand’s presence in Ecuador, following its first store opening in...
UNITED KINGDOM - Ikea has opened the ‘Hus of FRAKTA’ pop-up store on Oxford Street, London, celebrating its iconic blue FRAKTA bag. The pop-up, located at 216 Oxford Street, is a playful tribute to the world-famous bag and is situated next to luxury brands in one of...
MEXICO - Sodimac, a home improvement and construction retailer, has opened its 15th store in Mexico, marking its first location in Jalisco. The new store in Zapopan covers 10,000 square meters, with 8,400 square meters dedicated to sales floor space. Sodimac offers a...
NETHERLANDS - Ingka Group, the largest Ikea retailer, reported a revenue of EUR 41.8 billion for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), despite tough economic conditions, including high interest rates and inflation. The company prioritized affordability, reducing prices by EUR 2.1...
NETHERLANDS - Ingka Group, Ikea’s largest retailer, is investing EUR 1.5 billion to accelerate its shift away from fossil fuels, aiming to reduce its climate footprint by 85% by 2030 (from a 2016 baseline). The funds will retrofit existing stores with renewable...
USA The Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, reported 3Q-2024 (3Q-2024) sales of USD 40.2 billion, a 6.6% increase from USD 37.71 billion in 3Q-2023. However, comparable-store sales declined 1.8%, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of...
USA - Wayfair, one of the world’s largest online furniture and home goods retailers, today announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2024, ending September 30. Sales revenue reached USD 2.9 billion, a decrease of 2.0%, compared to the same period last...
