It’s been nearly 27 months since the UK’s biggest furniture show last graced the NEC, but after a long and painful absence – extended by three months thanks to Omicron’s winter rampage – the January Furniture Show finally returns next month, bringing the trade together for buying, selling, networking and more from 24-27th April.
On Sunday 24th April at 9.30am, the NEC Birmingham will once again open its doors for the January Furniture Show – the UK’s largest furniture-buying event and an unrivalled showcase of new products, suppliers, brands and trends.
The long hiatus brought about by the pandemic has only heightened the trade’s appetite for an event of such scale. Set across four halls this year, the exhibition promises to deliver the best in new product while offering buyers an easy way to shop and learn from industry experts. There will be a vast array of collections and exclusive launches on offer – from beds and storage solutions to sofas and dining furniture, not to mention an array of specialist service providers – so buyers are sure to find quality products that will appeal to all audiences, says organiser Clarion Events.
“By bringing buyers and brands together under one roof at the UK’s largest furniture show, retailers will have the opportunity to make lasting connections with brands from around the globe whilst reconnecting with industry colleagues in an innovative, design-driven atmosphere,” states Clarion. “The four halls are packed with brands from around the globe, giving buyers the opportunity to explore a variety of different furniture styles, storage solutions and interior trends.”
The show is known for delivering an unmatched mix of established and emerging furniture brands. This year sees it welcome US brand Kathy Ireland Home, whose mix of contemporary classic homewares evokes Hampton beach town-style aesthetics with neutrally toned luxurious throws and sumptuous rugs. Other new brands to look out for include Accadueo Designs, with its eye-catching contemporary furniture, and ASR Interiors, which offers a variety of wholesale products in a multitude of styles and designs.
With the industry embracing more sustainable approaches, another new exhibitor set to draw interest is Mobus Fabrics, a conscientious business which manufactures its own fabrics, manages global distribution and stores retail-ready fabrics.
Alongside these new brands are returning names such as Tetrad, ALF, Sealy, Forte, Jual Furnishings and many, many more, all of which cannot wait to share their new collections with visiting buyers.
“Buyers will appreciate the opportunity to catch up with these industry favourites in person,” states Clarion, “and will also be able to pick up expert advice and industry tips from our insightful sessions at Furniture Talks. We’ll be hosting exclusive discussions and sessions with industry experts on topics such as the latest interiors trends, along with masterclasses on PR and social media.”
VIP visitors will enjoy a fast-track entrance and access to an exclusive lounge plus complimentary food and refreshments. Meanwhile, the Young Furniture Makers feature in Hall 1 promises a refreshing showcase of fresh thinking from the next generation of designers, and The Furniture Awards are returning to celebrate the industry’s champions (read more on p82).
The exhibitors themselves will be arrayed across four thematic spaces: Premium Design (Hall 1), comprising traditional and contemporary British and international furniture; Interior Accessories (Hall 2), broadly offering pictures, mirrors, glassware, wall decor, lighting and giftware; Living, Dining & Bedroom (Hall 4), comprising cabinet and other furniture; and Furniture, Upholstery & Beds (Hall 5), which promises beds, mattresses, divans, sofas and upholstery. Furniture News will be present in Hall 5 this year, on stand 5-D4.
Zoë Bonser, portfolio director of Clarion Events’ Retail division, concludes: “Firmly established as the largest and most popular furniture and interiors event in the UK calendar, the event promises to deliver an exceptional buying experience. JFS really is a one-stop shop for all the latest collections in furniture and accessories. Plus, with the introduction of expert seminar content to enhance attendees’ experience, the 2022 edition will be one not to be missed. The JFS team cannot wait to see you there!”
Visit the show’s website to register for free and find out more, and read April's issue of Furniture News to discover our pick of the incoming products.
