Views: 0 Author: Min Publish Time: 2026-06-06 Origin: Site
May 27~29, 2026
(large banner of DOMOTEX flooring show at the hall entrance)
2026 Domotex Shanghai has come to an end.
For many exhibitors and visitors, the first impression was obvious: compared with several years ago, the exhibition halls felt calmer. There were fewer booths, fewer visitors, and less of the bustling atmosphere that once characterized the flooring industry's rapid expansion.
Yet after spending several days at the show, speaking with distributors, contractors, designers, manufacturers, and brand owners from different regions, we came away with a different conclusion.
The exhibition may have become smaller, but the conversations have become deeper.
In a year marked by economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and changing market conditions, the flooring industry seems to be entering a new stage—one that values sustainability, specialization, and meaningful cooperation over sheer scale.
It would be difficult to ignore the fact that the industry is facing challenges.
Many exhibitors commented that visitor numbers were lower than in previous editions of the show. Buyers appeared more selective with their time, often arriving with clear purpose to find a reasonable new variety or two.
At the same time, manufacturers across different flooring categories continue to face intense competition.
Over the past decade, advancements in production technology have made high-quality flooring more accessible than ever. However, the same technological progress has also created a different challenge: product similarity/sameness.
Walking through the exhibition halls, it was impossible not to notice how many products shared similar colors, structures, and specifications.
As competition increasingly shifts toward price, many factories find themselves operating with tighter margins than before. While competitive pricing remains important, an industry driven solely by cost inevitably faces pressure on innovation, investment, and long-term development.
Although some challenges were easy to see, other changes were taking place more quietly.
One of the most discussed topics at the exhibition was manufacturing diversification.
More flooring producers are exploring production opportunities beyond their traditional manufacturing bases. Countries such as Thailand and Vietnam continue attracting investment as companies seek greater flexibility and supply chain resilience.
This trend is no longer limited to a handful of multinational corporations. Increasingly, medium-sized manufacturers are also evaluating how regional production networks may support future growth.
At the same time, product development continues to evolve.
Rather than abandoning established product categories, many companies are looking for ways to enhance them.
For example, traditional SPC flooring remains one of the industry's most important products. However, manufacturers are now experimenting with technologies such as foamed LSPC structures and other performance-enhancing solutions to create new possibilities within familiar product categories.
Innovation today often looks less dramatic than it did ten years ago. Instead of entirely new product types, many developments focus on improving comfort, stability, appearance, and installation efficiency.
One of the most noticeable changes at this year's exhibition was aesthetic.
Design trends continue to evolve, and certain styles that were highly popular several years ago are beginning to lose momentum.
In particular, some of the colder stone-inspired visuals commonly seen in floating flooring categories appear less dominant than before.
Across numerous collections, designers seem to be moving toward warmer, softer, and more natural visual themes.
Natural oak tones, balanced wood grains, subtle textures, and timeless color palettes appeared repeatedly throughout the exhibition.
The trend reminded many visitors of a simple observation often made in the design world: fashion moves in circles.
After years of experimentation with bold contrasts and dramatic visuals, many brands now appear to be rediscovering the appeal of natural materials and understated elegance.
Rather than chasing temporary trends, designers seem increasingly interested in creating products that feel familiar, comfortable, and enduring.
In many ways, this year's exhibition felt like a celebration of traditional and natural beauty.
At DAREKAOU, these industry changes have reinforced a direction we have been pursuing for some time.
Rather than competing solely on volume, we continue focusing on helping customers develop products that stand apart in their local markets.
Many buyers today are searching for something beyond standard specifications. They want products that help them differentiate themselves from competitors and offer customers something memorable.
This is why we continue investing in specialized product categories, including solutions such as carpet-look LVT, chevron SPC flooring, and other customized designs that require greater flexibility in production and development.
For us, product development is not only about creating new patterns. It is about understanding regional preferences, following emerging design trends, and helping customers bring distinctive collections to market.
Sometimes that means developing new colors. Sometimes it means creating new structures. Sometimes it simply means being willing to discuss ideas that fall outside conventional product programs.
Perhaps the most memorable part of Domotex Shanghai 2026 was not the products themselves, but the people.
Although overall attendance may have been lower than in previous years, many of the visitors we met were highly focused and well prepared.
We discussed pallet configurations, shipping arrangements, container loading plans, inland transportation challenges, and regional market conditions.
We discussed color trends, installation preferences, and the latest developments from well-known flooring brands.
We discussed inflation, supply chains, and the ways international conflicts continue to influence global business decisions.
In short, the conversations were less about collecting brochures and more about solving real problems.
That may be one reason why this year's exhibition felt particularly productive despite the smaller crowds.
The world remains uncertain.
Conflicts, economic pressures, and changing regulations continue to influence businesses of every size. Predicting the next few years remains difficult for manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and consumers alike.
Yet exhibitions such as Domotex Shanghai continue to serve an important purpose.
They bring people together.
They create opportunities to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and explore new possibilities.
Most importantly, they remind us that behind every flooring plank, every shipment, and every project, there are people working to build something meaningful for their customers.
To everyone who visited our booth, shared insights, asked difficult questions, and spent time discussing the future of the industry with us, thank you.
We appreciate your openness, your professionalism, and your willingness to explore new opportunities together.
In uncertain times, meaningful conversations may be more valuable than ever.
