The year 2024 has had its ups and downs for RV Design, Ronald Verdult's furniture wholesaler. After a promising start, with above-expected good figures, the company experienced a noticeable dip in demand and willingness to buy from May through September. Still, the year ended on a positive note, thanks in part to recovered order intakes and successful stock markets.
"2024 turned out to be a nice year in retrospect," says Ronald Verdult. "We had better-than-expected results at the beginning of the year." However, operations also experienced a dip: "From May to September, demand and willingness to buy fell sharply. We were unable to maintain the strong start." Nevertheless, there are also important successes to celebrate. In particular, the autumn fairs in Beusichem, MOW and Brussels were perceived positively by the company. "Customer contacts were good and we were able to place new collections for 2025."
For Ronald, the success at the fairs, together with the positive reception of the expansion of the table concept and the new fabric options for chairs, was the absolute highlight of the year. "That was a really nice step forward," he says enthusiastically.
Uncertain market conditions
As in many sectors, RV Design also had to deal with the uncertain market conditions that characterised 2024. Volatile prices and sea freight problems, in particular, were challenges that affected the company significantly. Ronald explains: "The delays caused by longer shipping times and the turmoil in global markets kept us quite busy." Nevertheless, RV Design drew important lessons from this situation. "We decided not to have all seats produced in Asia anymore. Some of them we now also produce in Europe." This strategic move should make RV Design more agile in an unpredictable market.
Contrast between 2023 and 2024
The contrast between 2023 and 2024 is mainly characterised by the uncertainty in the market, Ronald says. "There was unrest among clients, who were concerned about market conditions, influenced by geopolitical tensions," he notes. In addition, the housing market played a role: "The low consumer willingness to buy, and the haggling over the housing market, also affected furniture sales." In the owner's eyes, it seemed for a long time that the retailer had lost confidence. "At one point, nobody dared to make choices anymore," Verdult says.
Fortunately, he is now seeing signs of recovery. "The last few months we are improving again, and that makes us positive for next year," he indicates. Still, he is cautious about his expectations for 2025. "It will probably only improve as the year goes on, but we are hopeful."
Gradual improvement
With cautious optimism, Ronald looks to the year ahead. "I expect we will see a gradual improvement in 2025," he says. This has to do with both market conditions and the new steps RVDesign has taken, such as adjusting its production chains. "If the recovery continues, I think we can achieve a nice result again next year, but it won't be overnight."
However, uncertainty remains a constant factor. Ronald is aware that the geopolitical situation and the housing market are still affecting consumers. "But with the improvements we are seeing now, we are hopeful for 2025."
More information:
RV Design
Minervum 7334 (office)
4817 ZD Breda
+ 31(0)765711922
[email protected]
www.ronaldverdultdesign.nl
The Netherlands