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Looking back at 2024 with KARE CEO's Peter Schönhofen and Jürgen Reiter

'Adapting to changing customer demands: spending less, choosing more selectively'

At the end of the year, we take a moment to reflect with several entrepreneurs on the past year and look ahead to what lies ahead. Today in the spotlight: the German company KARE, which celebrated significant milestones in 2024, alongside the challenges they also faced this past year. InteriorDaily spoke with owners Peter Schönhofen and Jürgen Reiter.

KARE CEO's Peter Schönhofen and Jürgen Reiter.

What were the key milestones and successes for KARE over the past year?
'In 2024, we achieved significant milestones, one of the biggest being the successful launch of our shop-in-shop concept that provides crucial support for our partners when it comes to creating extraordinary retail spaces. Initiatives like the successful re-launch of our outdoor collection and new collaborations, such as with Studio Divani allowed our brand to strategically expand into high-potential categories, with an emphasis on personalization as a core value. Additionally, KARE made notable strides in global expansion, successfully entering regions like Southeast Asia and the Middle East. This expansion included the opening of new franchise stores and the launch of e-commerce stores, further establishing KARE's international presence.'

What challenges did you encounter, and how did you address them?
'The primary challenge we faced was adapting to the ever-evolving expectations of customers, who are increasingly demanding unique designs and personalized experiences. They have become more selective, buy less, want something new and special and that is exactly what we offer. Additionally, we focused on customer-centricity, ensuring it remained responsive to these changing needs and successfully navigating the challenges by emphasizing personalization in its offerings. This is also an advantage for our partners, who as retailers can bring a breath of fresh air into their shops with our products. They are long-term connected to innovative trend setting.'

What are your main goals and priorities for 2025?
'For 2025, our main goals focus on enhancing the customer experience, expanding our product range, and further advancing our B2B initiatives. We will continue to improve both our online and retail environments, creating immersive experiences and incorporating cutting-edge digital tools like AI to personalize the customer journey. We also plan to introduce exclusive designer collaborations and innovative designs, reinforcing our position as a leader in premium, trendsetting interior design. The focus will remain on customization and modularity, allowing customers to make their spaces uniquely their own. Additionally, we aim to strengthen our B2B partnerships in the office, hospitality, and retail sectors, unlocking new revenue streams. By investing in our brand awareness, we simultaneously increase the awareness for our franchise and shop-in-shop partners.'

Which trends and developments in the market are influencing your strategy for the coming year?
'Several trends are shaping our strategy for 2025. Content marketing, particularly through authentic storytelling and influencer collaborations, continues to play a significant role in differentiating our brand in a competitive digital landscape. Sustainability and personalization are also key drivers, as customers increasingly demand environmentally responsible and customizable products. Another significant trend is the blending of functionality with aesthetic beauty, with a rising demand for furniture that combines visual appeal with practical use. KARE is responding to this trend with multi-functional, modular furniture solutions. Additionally, there is a shift towards personalized and bold interiors, with consumers seeking designs that reflect their unique personalities, a trend that aligns perfectly with our product offerings.'

How do you expect your customers and employees to benefit from the planned changes and improvements in the coming year?
'The planned changes will benefit both our customers and employees. For customers, the enhanced digital tools and immersive retail environments will provide a seamless, personalized shopping experience both online and in-store.'

The expanded product range, which includes multi-functional furniture, modular systems, and bold, personalized designs, will enable customers to create spaces that reflect their individuality while meeting practical needs. For employees, KARE is developing new office spaces designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and well-being, offering an inspiring environment to thrive. As we expand our product lines and embrace innovation, employees will have more opportunities to contribute to creative projects and develop new skills, particularly in AI tools and B2B services. Additionally, the simplification of operations will enhance efficiency, allowing employees to focus on more impactful and rewarding tasks.'

Anything else you want to share?
'We are proud of our progress and excited about our future vision. As a family-run company, we remain independent and committed to our mission of offering premium design at accessible prices. We will continue to inspire customers while building a sustainable, growth-oriented business. Our long-term focus on establishing our company as a Lovebrand underpins all its efforts, ensuring a distinctive and lasting presence in the market.'

More information:
KARE
[email protected]
www.b2b.kare-design.com