April/May 2026
housewareslive.net
CONTENTS 14 14
4 NEWS: Stay up to date with the latest industry developments, product launches, and business insights shaping the housewares sector.
14 HOUSEWARES MAGAZINE ON TOUR: Swedish brand Aarke has quietly built a reputation for rethinking everyday kitchen appliances through design and engineering. Will McGill speaks to Founders Carl Ljungh and Jonas Groth about building a premium brand rooted in simplicity, durability and detail.
18 THE HOUSEWARES INTERVIEW: Black + Blum has reshaped its identity around purpose-led innovation. Co- Founder Dan Black tells Will McGill how the business evolved, why focus was critical, and what today’s retailers should understand about the brand.
20 RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: Following a £10 million transformation of its Llantrisant store, Will McGill speaks to Buying & Merchandising Director Jo Littlejohn about redefining the in-store experience and what it takes to create a true retail destination today.
26 RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: Harvey Norman UK recently opened its second store in the West Midlands, in Sutton Coldfield, 14 months after it opened in Merry Hill Shopping Centre in Dudley. Simon King reports.
28 EXCLUSIVELY SHOW PREVIEW: The countdown to Exclusively Show 2026 is on, with leading brands preparing to unveil their latest launches across housewares, SDA, tabletop and gifting, as Housewares Magazine hears from the exhibitors set to shape the season ahead.
34 THE INSPIRED HOME SHOW REVIEW: Innovation and resilience defined The Inspired Home Show 2026, as retailers and suppliers tackled a changing market. Will McGill reports from the Windy City..
48 TAKE A TOWN: For this issue, the Housewares team of mystery shoppers visited, and assessed, eight stores across Oxfordshire.
52 INDUSTRY CALENDAR: Key trade shows, events and important dates for the housewares industry over the coming months.
41 DIRECTORY: A comprehensive listing of suppliers, manufacturers and service providers to support your business needs.
New
Stackable & Space-saving
All heat sources
3-layer non-stick
Ovenproof up to 220°C
Dishwasher safe
Find out more:
info@vitalityhouse.co.uk 28 28 20 34 CONTACT US:
Editor Will McGill
WMcGill@datateam.co.uk
Group Sales Manager Dawn Tucker
dtucker@datateam.co.uk
Media Account Executive Morgan Borthwick-Hunter
MBorthwick-Hunter@datateam.co.uk
Artwork Editor Kirsty Hood
khood@datateam.co.uk
Publishing Director Paul Ryder
pryder@datateam.co.uk
34 26 48 26 48
On the cover.... April/May 2026
For over 100 years, Brabantia has created durable, thoughtfully designed homeware made to be kept. Combining iconic design with smart functionality, our products support more sustainable living through responsible materials, durability and repairability. With guarantees of up to 10 years and spare parts available for 20 years, Brabantia products are designed to last.
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https://www.brabantia.com
Retailer Spotlight: Leekes
The Housewares Interview: Black + Blum
Frypan Soup pot
Sauce pan
Small lid Grill pan Big lid
Detachable handles
Wok
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