On with the show Trade show updates from home and abroad Hale Events confirms final edition of Gift & Home trade show Following conversations with longstanding clients at this year’s event, Hale Events can confirm that the 2026 edition of the Devon-based Giving & Living Trade Show was its last. “This show has marked a significant chapter in the life of the gifting industry, Hale Events, and for me personally,” said Mike Anderson, Managing Director. This decision comes after careful consideration. While the gift and home market continues to grow, the way products reach consumers has changed dramatically over the past decade and accelerated since the pandemic. Many businesses now sell direct to consumers or combine consumer and trade sales, and online B2B platforms and marketplaces such as Amazon, Etsy, Faire, and Temu have become significant routes to market. Particular thanks from Hale extends to all the organisations that have supported the show over its history. There has been unwavering support from a strong cohort of exhibitors and visitors, and from contractors and service providers. Mike commented “The show has taken place in the South West since 1965 & I have personally worked on the show for the last 37 years. It is an emotional day, but we are immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together. We would like to thank all the buyers and exhibitors that have supported this regional trade show over time. Every product has its life cycle.” January Furniture Show reaffirms position as leading furniture trade event January Furniture Show 2026 concluded at the NEC Birmingham following four days that reaffirmed its position as the UK’s largest, most influential and most internationally relevant furniture trade event. The 2026 edition demonstrated clear strength in the quality, seniority and commercial intent of its audience. Throughout the event, the show floor was busy, focused and purposedriven, with buyers arriving prepared to spend time on stands, engage in detailed discussions and progress conversations with both existing and new suppliers. Exhibitors consistently reported positive momentum, high-value engagement and a depth of interaction that underlined the continued importance of meeting face to face. Visitor attendance grew by 2 percent year on year, demonstrating sustained demand and an engaged buyer audience despite wider market headwinds. This growth was supported by an 11 percent expansion of the show footprint, delivering more brands, larger feature spaces and a clear shift towards exhibitors investing in bigger, more ambitious stand environments, reflecting confidence in the event and a focus on creating standout presence for buyers. The 2026 edition welcomed a highly engaged mix of attendees spanning retail, manufacturing, e-commerce and specification, with independent retailers, multiples, department stores, online businesses, contract buyers and interior designers all strongly represented, underlining the breadth of today’s furniture market and the show’s relevance across multiple buying channels. That quality of audience was particularly evident at the top end of the market. VIP attendance increased by 28 percent year on year, with consistently strong conversion rates and significant growth among buyers controlling annual budgets of £1 million and above. Sharp increases were recorded across every high-spend bracket, from £1–2 million through to £10 million-plus, reinforcing the show’s role as a destination for serious, decision-led sourcing. Importantly, this confidence translated directly into commercial commitment. 75 percent of the exhibition floorplan has already been rebooked for January 2027, as exhibitors confirmed their return early in response to the quality of conversations, relationships and opportunities generated during the week. January Furniture Show 2026 also strengthened its international profile, welcoming buyers from 55 countries, up 15 percent year on year, alongside a strong presence of new international exhibitors, including a number making their UK debut. Together, this further reinforced the show’s position as a globally relevant sourcing destination, offering access to international design influence, manufacturing capability and new commercial opportunity, all under one roof. With confidence returning to the market and decisionmakers firmly engaged, January Furniture Show continues to deliver where it matters most, bringing the right buyers and brands together, at the right moment, to move business forward. January Furniture Show returns to the NEC Birmingham from 24–27 January 2027. www.thefurnitureshows.com 15 NEWS & EVENTS
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