January Furniture Show reaffirmed its position as the UK’s largest, most influential and most internationally relevant furniture trade exhibition as it demonstrated clear strength
in the quality, seniority and commercial intent of its audience. Throughout the event, the show floor was busy, focused and purpose-driven, 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.
The show’s footprint grew by 11%, delivering more brands, larger feature spaces and
a clear shift towards exhibitors investing in bigger and more ambitious stands. Visitor numbers grew by 2% according to organiser Clarion, with independent retailers, multiples, department stores, online businesses, contract buyers and interior designers all strongly represented.
The quality of visitor was particularly evident at the top end of the market. VIP
attendance increased by 28% on 2025, with consistently strong conversion rates and significant growth among buyers controlling annual budgets of £1m or more.
Sharp increases were recorded across every high-spend bracket, from £1m–£2m through to £10m-plus, reinforcing the exhibition’s role as a destination for serious, decision-led sourcing. Vitally, this confidence translated directly into commercial commitment, and three-quarters of the show floorplan has already been rebooked
for 24–27 January 2027.
JFS also strengthened its international profile, with buyers from 55 countries, up 15%, alongside a strong presence of new international exhibitors, including a number making their UK debut. The show’s position as a globally relevant sourcing destination was reinforced, offering visitors access to international design influence, manufacturing capability and new commercial opportunities.
Buyer feedback consistently highlighted the scale, quality and efficiency of the show.
‘The mix of products available to purchase and the variety on show, from UK to international suppliers, is excellent,’; ‘It’s huge, fantastically well put together. If you can’t find quality product for your store here, you’ll never find it. For me personally, it’s been invaluable to meet all our existing suppliers in one place, and I’ve also made a number
of new connections we’ll be working with moving forward,’; ‘the best selection of furniture under one roof,’; ‘a great place to catch up with important suppliers and industry colleagues,’; and ‘JFS is a one-stop place to really understand the home, furniture and interiors market. It’s invaluable for seeing new products and trends, meeting suppliers and buyers in one place, and having proper conversations around sourcing, selling and partnerships,’ were comments from managers, directors and mds from Arhighi Bianchi, DFS, Leekes, ScS and Wayfair.
This year also saw the successful introduction of an expanded and revised show layout across Halls 1, 2, 3 and 5, supporting improved flow and clearer sector zoning. The evolution of the floorplan aligned with the show’s long-term vision to return to a horseshoe shape whilst creating a more connected and navigable experience.
Beyond the exhibition floor, the programme of content and community moments added further depth to the event. Insight and leadership were a defining part of the four days, with the Retail Revealed LIVE programme bringing senior voices from across retail, manufacturing and brand leadership into the heart of the show.
Sessions featured contributors from Wayfair, La-Z-Boy International, ufurnish, Shire Beds, Accouter, Coytes Furnishing, The Furniture Makers’ Company and Olise.
Events hosted by the Women in Furniture Network were among the most talked-about. The Networking Brunch, in particular, drew a full room and enthusiastic feedback, and was described by attendees as ‘authentic, inspiring and genuinely useful’ and ‘a must-attend that left us energised and inspired.’ New for 2026, a series of one-to-one mentoring sessions connected emerging and established professionals with senior industry leaders, offering practical guidance, open discussion and meaningful career support in a focused, one-to-one setting.
‘What stood out this year was the quality of engagement. Buyers came with intent, exhibitors came prepared, and the conversations happening across the halls were commercially meaningful. The strength of senior decision-makers, international participation and high-spend buyers reinforces January Furniture Show’s role as the industry’s most important meeting point at the start of the buying year,’ says Paddy Wallace, The Furniture Shows head of sales.
‘As the industry reflects on the week, January Furniture Show 2026 stands out for the quality of its conversations, the seniority of its audience and the strength of its international participation. From early-stage discovery to confirmed follow-up and ongoing commercial discussions, the show once again played a defining role in setting direction at the start of the buying year. ‘With confidence returning to the market and decision-makers 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.’
