Manchester Furniture Show (MFS), the furniture and interiors industry's key mid-year sourcing event, is almost here …
Returning to Manchester Central on 5–6th July, MFS continues its long-standing tradition of bringing together retailers, buyers, designers and suppliers at a crucial point in the buying calendar.
Positioned between the major January exhibitions and the important Q4 trading period, the show is an opportunity to discover new products, strengthen supplier relationships and gain valuable market insights ahead of H2.
This year's event promises to be one of the most dynamic editions yet, with more than 150 brands set to showcase over 25,000 products across furniture, interiors and homewares. Organiser The Furniture Shows expects more than 4,000 retail buyers and industry professionals to attend over the two days, creating “an environment that combines serious business with the relaxed networking atmosphere for which MFS has become known”.
A major attraction for visitors this year will be the breadth of new exhibitors on display – 50% of the exhibiting brands are new to the 2026 edition, ensuring fresh inspiration and new business opportunities across the show floor.
Among the brands making their MFS debut are Hill Interiors, Home of Wool, Kamjo and Sensowell, Sacred Nature Furniture and Avriio.
“Their presence reflects the show's commitment to introducing buyers to new suppliers and exciting collections year after year, while established industry names continue to provide the trusted products and partnerships retailers rely on,” says The Furniture Shows.
Alongside the new additions, visitors can also expect to see the latest launches and bestselling collections from recognised brands including Lebus Upholstery, Whitemeadow, Baker Furniture, Buoyant Upholstery, Ashwood Designs, Scatter Box, La-Z-Boy UK, Image Furnishings and Alpha Designs.
“For retailers looking to refresh their ranges ahead of autumn and winter trading, the timing could not be better,” the show organiser explains. “The show's position in early July allows buyers to review new product introductions, identify emerging trends and place orders with confidence before the busiest retail period of the year begins.”
New for 2026 is MFS Springboard, a dedicated platform designed to spotlight emerging brands and fresh industry talent. The initiative aims to provide visitors with an opportunity to discover up-and-coming businesses and products from artisan and sustainable makers, creating opportunities for retailers seeking differentiation and newness within their offer.
Beyond sourcing, the event also continues to provide a valuable forum for industry conversation and professional development. Following the success of last year's event, the Women in Furniture Network (WIFN) panel returns with another programme of discussion and networking.
Taking place on Monday 6th July from 11:30am to 1pm, the ‘Pastries & Panel’ session, entitled ‘Shared Growth in Action’, will bring together leaders from across the furniture and interiors sector to share their experiences, leadership journeys and perspectives on the industry's future.
This year's panel features Lisa Flannery (MD of Claremont), Gisela Lancaster (former head of buying at Sofology), Sophia Carbonell (head of ecommerce sales at Julian Bowen) and award-winning creative and design director Kirsty Whyte.
The session promises to offer attendees the opportunity not only to hear from some of the sector's most accomplished professionals, but also to engage directly with the panellists before and after the discussion through dedicated networking opportunities.
Reflecting on the value of the initiative, Deirdre Mc Gettrick, the founder and CEO of ufurnish.com, praised last year's event for showcasing the stories and achievements of women leading organisations across the sector: “Listening to the inspiring female leaders at the WIFN event really made me reflect on my own journey and how fast the industry is evolving. There are so many talented women leading organisations in ways we don’t often see, so I love hearing those stories being brought to the front.”
Networking has long been one of the defining features of MFS, and this year's social programme promises to build on that tradition. The Official Manchester Furniture Show Party will return on the evening of 5th July, taking place from 6pm at The Junction Bar. Inspired by the excitement of the FIFA World Cup, the event will provide a lively backdrop for buyers and exhibitors to continue conversations, strengthen relationships and celebrate the industry together in a relaxed setting.
The combination of business during the day and informal networking in the evening has become one of the defining features of MFS, helping to create the collaborative atmosphere that keeps visitors returning year after year, says The Furniture Shows: “As the countdown to opening day continues, MFS 2026 is shaping up to deliver exactly what the industry needs at this point in the year – fresh products, new suppliers, meaningful conversations and valuable connections.
“Whether attending to source new collections, meet existing partners, discover emerging talent or gain insight from industry leaders, visitors can expect two productive days at one of the furniture sector's most established and respected trade events.
“For those looking to stay ahead of the market and prepare for the opportunities of the second half of 2026, MFS remains a date firmly worth keeping in the diary.”
Register to attend here.
