In the ever-evolving retail landscape, a significant shift is taking place in the home building materials sector. Once a staple for consumers seeking everything from furniture to decor, the industry is now witnessing a wave of closures and store withdrawals. Notably, the world's largest home building materials company, Depot, recently announced the closure of all its stores in China. This move follows the bankruptcy of another major player, Oriental Home, signaling a broader trend of decline in this once-thriving market.
Since 2012, over a dozen building materials stores have shut down in Beijing alone. Renowned names such as "Palace Dragon" Lighting City and Xinglong Furniture have disappeared from the scene, while larger marketplaces like Jimei and Home Furnishings have also scaled back their operations. The reasons behind these closures are clear: poor performance, rising operational costs, and shrinking consumer demand.
The root causes run deeper than just financial struggles. The real estate market has seen a sharp decline in transaction volumes due to strict housing price regulations, directly impacting the home furnishings industry. Additionally, excessive investment in the sector has led to an oversupply of stores, resulting in increased rent and lower occupancy rates. Many shop owners report that rental costs have more than doubled in recent years, making it increasingly difficult to sustain business.
Another key factor is the nature of consumer behavior. Unlike everyday items such as food or clothing, home building materials are often purchased as one-time investments. This makes the shopping experience less frequent and more complex, especially in large, multi-brand stores where customers struggle to compare products effectively. As a result, potential buyers are often overwhelmed, leading to a loss of interest and a drop in sales.
Faced with mounting pressure, many companies are forced to close stores or reduce their footprint. However, this is not a sign of maturity—it’s a symptom of an industry in transition. For those still operating in the market, the challenge is clear: how can they adapt and thrive in a changing environment?
One possible solution is to shift toward smaller, more specialized stores. Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, businesses could focus on niche markets, offering tailored solutions for different customer segments—such as luxury villas, small apartments, or office spaces. By creating a consistent brand identity and curating products that align with specific needs, stores can stand out in a crowded market.
Moreover, leveraging technology can significantly enhance survival chances. Developing online platforms, adopting omnichannel sales strategies, and partnering with major e-commerce sites can help reach a wider audience. These digital tools not only provide convenience but also increase visibility, driving more traffic and sales.
As the home building materials industry continues to face challenges, it’s time for businesses to rethink their approach. The future belongs to those who can innovate, adapt, and deliver value in a rapidly changing market. Those who fail to evolve may find themselves left behind, just like the stores that have already disappeared.
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Sealand have DN03 to DN150 size meters and are developing bigger models. Each meter can be connected with your computer through a USB-to-RS485 converter. The detail steps are as follows. Connect the meter and computer with a USB-to-RS485 converter( converter A+ end to transmitter A+ end, B- to B-, and GND to GDN); turn to device manager of the computer to check COM port connected with meter. Start the software, select the right COM port and click Connect; do not change any other parameters (if you do not know the right one, click Automatic options on the left, click Connect, plug & unplug the transmitter, and then check if it is connected). You can click Connect on the tool bar to disconnect or connect again. It will shown Connected/Not Connected at the bottom of this interface.
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Zhejiang Sealand Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.sealandflowmeter.com
