Making a grand return to Manchester Central from 10-11th July, we take a look at what to expect at the Manchester Furniture Show (MFS).
As the essential summer touchpoint for the industry, MFS brings together top brands and high-quality buyers for face-to-face opportunities to reconnect, refresh strategies, and secure sales for the upcoming season.
MFS serves as a retailer’s one-stop shop for success, connecting buyers with a diverse range of established and emerging suppliers. With over 100 brands to source, a third of which are brand new to the show, along with virtual networking opportunities. Over two days visitors can forge valuable partnerships, source high-quality inventory, and discover the latest innovations across all furniture categories, with a special focus on the in-demand upholstery and living furniture sectors.
This year’s show floor will feature carefully curated trends and over 25,000 in-demand products just waiting to be snapped up. Notable brands returning to MFS include Alpha Designs, At The Helm, Ashwood Designs, Baker Furniture, Buoyant Upholstery Ltd, Decortie, Dutch Imports, Incanto, La-Z-Boy, Lebus Upholstery, Kettle Home, MS Design, RS Furniture, Premier Housewares, Slumbernights, and Whitemeadow, among others, such as Sofa Connections, HND (UK), Kennett & Lindsell Ltd, Mayfair Upholstery, Oswald & Pablo Ltd, Shape Furniture, Viva Sleep by Sitting Pretty, and more.
Living room furniture and upholstery mega brands will take centre stage. Buoyant Upholstery (pictured above) will present their new collection of British-made, high-quality, and timeless designs. They said: “We have lots of favourites coming to Manchester, as well as some new and exciting models. We will also be displaying ranges launched at the January Furniture show, earlier this year, all in updated guises! Buoyant will be bringing a range of timeless sofas, including our newly launched Easy loungers in exciting textures, colours and designs. Our commitment to comfort, style, and durability ensures that each piece not only looks stunning but also stands the test of time.”
La-Z-Boy, the world’s favorite recliner company, will launch their latest collection, while Baker Furniture showcases contemporary and traditional bedroom, dining, and occasional furniture. Premier Housewares, a key supplier of design-led, high-quality products since 1988, will be on hand for retailers and designers seeking perfect homewares. Ashwood Designs will showcase beautifully crafted sofas that blend technology with traditional workmanship and sumptuous fabrics.
ALPHA DESIGNS are excited to be back in Manchester, and look forward to seeing customers old and new. “We will be launching some exciting new ranges, offering exceptional value, lead times and some unique features to enhance sales,” the company said. “They will make the perfect choice for an Autumn launch to kick start sales again. Come and visit us in Central Room 8.”
Sofa Connections will be unveiling two new designs during MFS, which are real statement pieces. “One is a very classic traditional model, the ‘Blakedown’, while the other is a very modern sleek piece, so we are confident there will be something for everyone. These models have been visions for many years, so to see them come to life is really special.”
Meanwhile, Kettle Home also shares the excitement to be back and will showcase its latest and most popular ranges. “Join us on stand D10 to see the latest products to join our Essentials, Originals and Signature ranges,” they said. “Our CL Living, Dining and Kitchen collection is a stunning range of truly unique items that will define our Signature category and the most premium ever launched by Kettle Home.” The SB Bedroom is also set to elevate bedrooms across the country this season.
Introducing Vivasleep®, the brand is excited to launch its new bed range at the show. “Proudly designed and developed in the UK, these beds offer unparalleled comfort and style,” they said. “Vivasleep® beds combine aesthetic appeal with cutting-edge technology, driving sales and satisfaction in your store. Visit us at Stand D100 to experience the Vivasleep® difference. Meet our team, explore our range, and discover why Vivasleep® is the perfect addition to your product lineup.”
With Manchester being Bluebone’s hometown, the business says it loves the “relaxed atmosphere that always prevails at this summer show”. At the show, Bluebone will launch new product, however with the “rapidly increasing shipping rates (yet again) we will also focus on the current ranges we have ready to go – that can be delivered as soon as you like for new Autumn displays”. These include the Oban range of living and dining, as well as the Arc – a honey coloured mango wood – range across dining, coffee and lamp tables.
“To coincide with the show, we have completed an extension of our Manchester showroom, plus a new ‘Archive’ Section where you can find recently retired items and end of lines,” Bluebone added. “We invite you to visit our showroom while you are at the show, and will have a driver available to shuttle you there and back. It is around 15 minutes’ drive from the show. We look forward to seeing you in July at Manchester Central, we are on stand D60.”
Lebus had great success at the JFS earlier this year, seeing the launch of several new models. Those popular amongst customers included Megan, Melrose, Jameson and Petra. In addition, they have also launched a range of recliners which really captured the attention of buyers. “The positive reaction from the show has encouraged us to sign up and exhibit at The Manchester Furniture Show in July,” the business said. “We will have an open plan stand to give customers a chance to view our next impressive range of new sofa collections. They have been inspired by the latest fashion forward trends both in Milan and the fabulous new fabric creations at Proposte and plan to integrate some of these trends into our new designs bringing a touch of Italian style to Lincolnshire.”
Stroolmount will on hand to discuss top tips for sustainability during the show. Specialist solutions from Stroolmount are not disposable, but durable. They help protect furniture and flooring and offer solutions such as QuickClick Glides or Furni-Glides, as well as Move-it Pads, with the latter highlighting how “with one gentle push, you can slide a hefty sideboard around on the floor as easily if it was a dance partner!”
Cloud-based software specialist for furniture and bed retailers, RetailSystem, has signed up for their largest ever stand in 20 years. RetailSystem is proud to support the event with the larger stand space set to accommodate their complete portfolio of services, which includes the rapidly growing Website ‘WebSystem’ division, alongside FurniturePay and FurnitureBooks. Furthermore, the show will serve as an ideal platform for RetailSystem’s upgrade to their ‘Version 20’ latest big unveiling, which is set to revolutionise the furniture industry.
In addition to unparalleled product sourcing, MFS offers two days of unprecedented summer networking opportunities. Not only can brands and visitors meet to discuss sales opportunities but they can mingle at the Summer Solstice Show Party and the Women in Furniture Network Brunch. Celebrate the return of this legacy show on Wednesday night with drinks, music and food at the Show Party, then hear from La-Z-Boy Incorporated’s President and CEO, Melinda Whittington, at the WIFN Brunch on Thursday.
Join the furniture community at the must-attend sourcing event of the summer, as the industry looks ahead to another prosperous season. Source, network, and be inspired in Manchester this July. Register now!
