In a special one-to-one with the organisers of the Manchester Furniture Show (MFS), we found out more ahead of next month’s exhibition.
What can visitors expect from the show this year?
Visitors can expect a highly focused and commercially driven sourcing event, bringing together 150+ furniture and interiors brands and more than 25,000 products across upholstery, cabinet, beds, dining, accessories and homeware. With 50% of exhibitors new for 2026, the show offers fresh product discovery alongside established industry favourites ahead of Q3-Q4 buying.
Alongside sourcing, buyers can enjoy relaxed networking throughout the show, from informal meetings in the Summer Garden Bar to the industry-famous Sunday Show Party after the show closes. Networking and industry insight continue on the Monday with the Women in Furniture Network panel, Shared Growth in Action, featuring leading voices from across the industry including Kirsty Whyte, Lisa Flannery, Sophia Carbonell and Gisela Lancaster.
Who are the main new exhibitors to have signed up this year?
This year’s line-up includes a strong mix of established names and exciting new additions. New exhibitors confirmed for 2026 include Ashwood, Whitemeadow, Home of Wool, Hill Interiors, HHI Sofa, One Holding, Magecloud, MaxiMover, Mazing, BBS, Avriio, Kamjo & Sensowell and Sacred Nature Furniture, alongside many more brands joining the show for the first time. Visitors can expect the latest trends alongside plenty of fresh product discovery throughout the show floor.
Is the show fully booked?
The 2026 edition has seen very strong demand, particularly from brands looking to reconnect with buyers and suppliers at a key point in the buying cycle. Certain areas of the floorplan are now close to capacity, with limited stand opportunities remaining ahead of the show.
Is there a key theme for this year’s event?
Connect, refresh and restock. These are the three key themes running throughout this year’s show. From introducing more new exhibitors and emerging brands to creating additional networking opportunities and industry conversations, the focus for 2026 is helping businesses build valuable relationships while discovering fresh products and ideas ahead of the next retail season.
How has the show evolved this year to cater for visitors?
This year, we’ve evolved the show in direct response to growing demand for stronger industry connection and conversation as the sector navigates an increasingly challenging global trading environment. We’ve focused heavily on making the show more efficient, accessible and commercially valuable for visitors – from refining the floorplan and improving visitor flow to introducing more curated exhibitor discovery and revamping our networking spaces and opportunities. Every element has been designed to help buyers and exhibitors make the most of their time at the show.
Will we see more bed-related exhibitors this year?
Yes – beds and sleep products continue to be an important part of the exhibitor mix, with strong representation from both established suppliers and newer brands within the category, including Swan Sleep, Marshmallow Mattresses, Kamjo and Sensowell. Buyers are increasingly looking for complete lifestyle and home solutions, and the show’s broader product mix across upholstery, cabinet and accessories continues to support that demand.
