Last week saw the Manchester Furniture Show (MFS) reopen its doors after a five-year hiatus, welcoming thousands of visitors over the two days – with two-thirds of the 2025 edition already rebooked.
Buyers from across the UK and beyond attended the Manchester Central event, with over a third of these extending their visits beyond just one day, says Clarion Events, adding that the positive response to the show’s return has cemented its place in the industry’s calendar as "a must-attend for any furniture professional".
MFS saw an increase of +133% in architectural practice visitors, +36% in distributors and +5% in hospitality visitors compared to the last show in 2019. With as much emphasis on networking as selling, MFS provided ample opportunities to foster connections between buyers, designers, architects, manufacturers and distributors at The Spritz Bar, sponsored by Claimlane, alongside The Networking Hub, Women in Furniture Networking Brunch, Food Court and the Summer Solstice Show Party (sponsored by Furniture News).
Exhibitors gained access to buyers from the likes of DFS, Amazon, Bensons for Beds, Wayfair, Arighi Bianchi, River Island, Dreams, Fishpools, Oak Furnitureland, Stollers, Harvey Norman, Sterling, Connollys of Moy, Cookes Furniture, Fabb Furniture, Joules, Housing Units, Sofology, Sainsburys, Argos, Dreams, Dunelm, Frasers, Royal Oak Furnishers, B&Q, Gillies and Stokers.
Over 70% of the VIP attendees having buying budget of over £1m, boasting a combined buying power exceeding £40m.
Ashleigh Jane Ellis, director of Upholstery & Furniture at ScS, comments: "MFS is a great opportunity to see our suppliers and catch up with our network."
Leanne Coleman, buying manager at The Very Group, says: "It was my first show and it turned out to be a great success. We were here to look for new opportunities and there has been a wonderful range of products across the brands, as well as booking appointments with existing partners. Overall, it's been great to see people all in one place and it has been really positive and a great show to look for newness and trendy products!"
The success and ease of the show was reiterated by Hafren Furnishers, whose representative was "glad to have the show back, as I have missed it. I love the ease of the venue and its location, the social side which allows you to renew your contacts and discover new business, whilst giving you an opportunity to fill in the gaps in your warehouse".
MFS welcomed international buyers from 23 countries including Bulgaria, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Lithuania, Italy, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Poland, Portugal, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, South Africa and Turkey.
The first evening saw a Summer Solstice Show Party celebrate MFS’ return, as well as England's win against the Netherlands. With drinks sponsored by media partner Furniture News, the all-new Junction Bar and restaurant in Manchester Central was packed with visitors and exhibitors.
Clarion Retail’s portfolio director, Zoë Bonser, comments: "It was wonderful to see the show have such a successful return and to celebrate with a brilliant party! There was no better way to mingle with the industry and make the most of our time together in the vibrant city of Manchester.
"The team did a great job to curate a fantastic collection of brands and give visitors the best opportunity to source the latest products in a fun and relaxing environment. We can’t wait to bring the show back next year, even bigger and better!"
Thursday morning saw the Women in Furniture Network (WIFN) host a leadership-themed brunch with its biggest turnout yet. With a keynote from La-Z-Boy Incorporated’s CEO and president Melinda Whittington, who inspired guests with her authentic talk about her career journey and tips for any woman and business in the furniture industry, visitors and exhibitors networked over brunch.
Nandani Bansal, head of partnerships at Polygon Studios, said that Melinda’s Keynote was "one of the highlights of MFS, as she shared her inspiring journey and invaluable advice for women in the furniture industry".
MFS 2025 will take place on 6-7th July – in the meantime, Clarion's show team is preparing for an even bigger January Furniture Show, with Hall 1 already sold out and many new brands confirmed.
