BIELEFELD, Germany - For over a quarter century, the old adage ''the more things change, the more things stay the same'' could easily have characterized JAB, the world's largest wholesaler of home furnishings and fabrics. Sure, some of the players had come and gone, but the franchise continued putting out a high-quality product year after year.

But recent changes at the company have stirred an upheaval, prompting industry insiders to question the company's future. Jolting JAB's long-established hierarchy, some of its members are moving on to greener pastures. After 30 years of working in the design and development department, Hans Popper has retired. Rolf Thomae announced that he too will retire at the end of the year from his 40-year stint at the company.

But skeptics anticipating a downward trend for the company should hold their tongues. Textiles wunderkind Susan Schimmel has stepped up to the plate, promising JAB a bright, rosy future.

Schimmel arrived at JAB over 12 years of experience in the furnishings and home textiles industry. Early in her career she worked in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, during which time she read many news articles on JAB and took a liking to the company, she said. When she learned of Popper's impending retirement, she aspired to join JAB and help the company stay on its feet.

''It seemed like they had a very good reputation,'' she said. ''I thought that maybe I could bring some new ideas and new leadership to the company. I spoke with [Vice President of Product Development] Julian Meyer and we got along very well. He knew I developed new products and had done shows with other companies.''

While JAB has no recent acquisitions, the company plans to promote its current products with gusto under Schimmel's leadership.

''We take great pride in our work and put much emotion and effort into the things we do,'' Meyer said. ''That's how the business was built in the beginning and that's how we became what we are today.''