BACK TO SCHOOL


June/July 2026 housewareslive.net


‘Today’s younger consumers prioritise quality over quantity, choosing products that will last well beyond their first term’


As students prepare for a fresh start and families tick off ever-growing shopping lists, Housewares Magazine discovers how the Back to School and Back to University season is driving demand for practical, durable and space-saving home essentials, while uncovering the key trends and opportunities.


Parents brace themselves for the inevitable expense of replacing everything from lunch boxes to water bottles, while students heading off to university for the first time discover that surviving on instant noodles still requires a saucepan, a bin and, ideally, somewhere to store the leftovers. It’s the season of fresh starts, new routines and shopping lists that seem to grow by the minute.. For retailers, however, it’s one of the year’s biggest opportunities. Today’s shoppers are looking beyond the cheapest essentials, placing greater emphasis on products that are durable, space-saving and versatile enough to cope with everything from packed lunches and lecture timetables to compact student kitchens and first homes. Whether it’s meal prep containers that survive the weekly food shop, laundry solutions for shared accommodation or coffee cups that help avoid paying £5 for a flat white, practical products are firmly at the top of the shopping list.


A Class in session


For many consumers, the back-to-school and back-to-university period is about much more than stationery and study supplies. It’s also a time


s the summer holidays draw to a close, the annual back-to- school rush begins in earnest.


to create organised, functional living spaces, whether that’s a student bedroom, shared kitchen or first home. According to Brabantia, practical household essentials remain firmly on shoppers’ wish lists as new routines begin. “September is always a key season for home organisation,” says the


brand, which expects its ironing boards, indoor laundry range and waste solutions to perform particularly well this autumn. “As consumers transition from summer into new routines, there’s a noticeable shift towards creating organised, functional living spaces.” The retailer sees distinct priorities emerging between students and


their parents. While students are typically focused on affordable, practical essentials that will last throughout the academic year, parents and first- home buyers are often prepared to invest in products that are durable and built to stand the test of time. Brabantia’s offering spans many of the core categories consumers need to furnish a new home, including bins, laundry baskets, kitchen tools, cookware, cutlery, food storage and sink accessories.


Compact living continues to shape product development, with demand


growing for solutions that make the most of limited space. Brabantia highlights its SortUp stackable recycling bins, storage jars and built-in bins as examples of products designed to maximise storage without compromising on style. The company also points to the return of chrome as a key interiors trend,


with its Brilliant Steel and Matt Steel finishes providing an easy way for consumers to update kitchens and bathrooms. Sustainability is another increasingly important consideration, with Brabantia noting that shoppers are placing greater emphasis on longevity. “We’re seeing a growing


Featured Products


Crushgrind Amsterdam To Go The Crushgrind Amsterdam To Go is a compact, portable salt and pepper grinder set, created with travel and outdoor use in mind. It features two mini grinders neatly stored in a practical carry case that keeps them together while


preventing any spice residue from spilling into bags or onto surfaces. The smart squeeze-to-lift holder design lets you pick up and carry both grinders easily in one hand. Each unit is fitted with the Crushgrind® ceramic mechanism, suitable for grinding salt, pepper, and dried spices, and supported by a 25-year guarantee on the ceramic components. Lightweight, highly compact, and thoughtfully designed, it is ideal for picnics, travel, and outdoor dining occasions.


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