Building on a steady +4% increase in visitor numbers, with attendees from 48 countries, the January Furniture Show (JFS) achieved yet another record-breaking rebook, with 71% of the current floor space already rebooked, paving the way for increasing the show footprint and a revised layout for 2026, reports show organiser Clarion Events.
This success was further underscored by a +10% growth in VIP buyer attendance, and a +35% increase in high spenders with budgets exceeding £1m present, solidifying the event’s position as the top furniture trade show in the UK, adds Clarion.
Earlier this week, JFS opened its doors to thousands of industry professionals at the NEC Birmingham. Among the buyers present were representatives from Bensons for Beds, Connollys of Moy, Cedarwood Furniture, David Phillips Furniture, DFS, Dunelm, Fabb Furniture, Fishpools, Furniture Village, Furniture World, Habitat, Harvey Norman, Hilton Hotels, La Redoute, Leekes, Lenleys Home, Marks & Spencer, Murphy Home, Next, OPA Living, Pub & Rooms, Robert Dyas, Sainsbury's, ScS, Sterling Home, Stokers, The Range, Underley Furnishings, Wayfair, Whittlebury Hall & Spa and Whartons.
“The mix of suppliers brings Wayfair back to the JFS every year. We work with around 50% of the exhibitors, so it’s a mix of being able to discuss the year ahead, network with the industry, and explore new potential partnerships,” commented a senior buyer from Wayfair.
This year’s show brought together over 500 national and international brands, with 38% making their show debut. Attendees explored more than 50,000 products, including 10,000 new designs, defining the trends for the furniture industry in 2025.
An increased international presence was felt across all four halls, with 35% of the exhibitors international enterprises, including key players from the US, show Country Partner Romania, Italy, Ireland, Germany, Poland, Belgium, China and Spain.
"JFS 2025 has been a celebration of the furniture industry’s creativity and innovation. The energy across the halls was palpable, with both exhibitors and attendees seizing the opportunity to source exclusive ranges, shop new trends, and make meaningful connections," says Zoë Bonser, portfolio director, Retail, Clarion Events.
Exhibitors ranged from industry giants to emerging innovators, and included Antares, Ashley Manor, At The Helm, Buoyant Upholstery, FAMA, G-Plan, Gascoigne Designs, Hartman, Hooker Furnishings, Hill Interiors, Himolla, La-Z-Boy, Lebus Upholstery, Le Feu, Maxfurn, Nicoletti Home, Nolte Mobel, Qualita, Sofa Connections, TOV, Welcome and Wiemman, to name a few.
Notably, Hooker Furnishings served as the Hall 1 partner, underscoring its commitment to making a significant impact in the UK market. Hooker Furnishings donated an eye-catching bar cabinet, the Rolls Royce Cabinet, to Charity Partner The Furniture Makers' Company, for auction – crafted from rich maple veneer with mother of pearl details, a polished nickel base, and a cream leather and Carrera marble interior.
Jeremy Hoff, CEO of Hooker Furnishings, says: "We’re honoured to be here at the JFS 2025 – it’s our first official presence in the UK market as a brand. I was told that Sundays are usually a soft start, but I haven’t sat down all day! The energy and interest have been phenomenal, and we’re thrilled to connect with the UK market in such a meaningful way."
The Best Stand Awards recognised creativity and innovation, with winners including: Hall 1 – Himolla and Whitemeadow (joint winners); Hall 2 – Hill Interiors; Hall 4 – Image Furnishings; and Hall 5 – La-Z-Boy.
The Women in Furniture Network: Celebrate Success event recognised and celebrated the contributions of women in the industry. Featuring a panel including Sarah Bianchi (CEO, Arighi Bianchi), Gisela Lancaster (head of buying, Sofology), Katy Hawes (founder of Grace & Favour) and Victoria Darnell (international furniture designer and merchandiser at Hooker Furnishings).
The show facilitated several networking opportunities, from celebrating the industry and winners at The Furniture Awards (see related) and Show Party (sponsored by WorldFirst) at the Champagne Bar (sponsored by Zopa Bank), to the Festival Food Court, and the VIP lounge (in partnership with Hooker Furnishings). The Upholders Awards Ceremony, meanwhile, celebrated the craftsmanship and heritage that help define the industry.
Adding to the anticipation for JFS 2026, the show team announced the launch of the Excellence in Furniture Awards, with exhibitors and visitors alike showing keen interest in the new gala dinner format and extended awards categories. The elevated awards, backed by Principal Media Partner Furniture News, will celebrate and recognise the innovation, craftsmanship and talent that drive the furniture sector, as well as the people behind the brands, and will take place on 19th January 2026, says Clarion.
The show will return from 18th-21st January 2026, and attendees can expect an even bigger event, with the extension of the Premium Hall into Hall 2, and a revised layout.
The show organiser thanks this year's VIP Partner Hooker Furnishings and sponsors Claimlane, WorldFirst, Zopa Bank, the British Furniture Association, Principal Media Partner Furniture News, Charity Partner The Furniture Makers' Company, and all supporting media partners and associations, and looks forward to announcing new exhibitors and partnerships soon.
