Furniture

In order to better meet the expectations of online shoppers, Ikea is changing its store policy. A new type of inner city shops should become the 'missing link' between its usual large department stores and the web shop.

The District Court of Amsterdam has declared itself competent to handle the mass claim of investor association VEB against South African Steinhoff. Last year, the parent company of the French home improvement chain Conforama was compromised by an accounting scandal.

Belgian foam rubber manufacturer Recticel is looking into plans to sell its own mattresses online to consumers. The web shop "can be operational in six months' time", even if the official decision has not yet been taken.

Belgian chain Casa has opened a new store in Olen Shopping Park, deliberately close to the new headquarters, which also features a new store concept.

Dutch bed chain Beter Bed Holding has suffered from problems in Germany during the first semester of its fiscal year, causing its turnover and profits to go down. The Dutch and Belgian markets performed better, but failed to save the day.

Chinese internet giant JD.com wants to expand to Italy: the Milan office would be the second European office in a short period of time for Alibaba's great rival.

Belgian decoration chain Casa has launched a new web shop, that expands from mere click & collect to home delivery. From now on, the Dutch as well can order their furniture for home and garden online.