June/July 2026 housewareslive.net


appreciation for products that are built to last,” the company says, adding that many of its products come with guarantees of up to 10 years and spare parts are available for up to 20 years, helping extend product life. For retailers, Brabantia believes the biggest opportunity lies in inspiring complete solutions rather than individual purchases. “The Back to School and university season presents a significant opportunity for retailers to position themselves as a one-stop destination,” the brand explains, with bundled promotions across complementary categories encouraging larger basket sizes while helping consumers prepare for a fresh start.


Making the grade


As students prepare for a new academic year, OXO believes purchasing habits are shifting away from disposable basics towards products that offer lasting value. Rachel Browne, Senior Sales Manager UK & Ireland at OXO, says today’s shoppers are increasingly looking for kitchen essentials that will remain useful long after graduation. “Back to School is always an important retail moment as students invest


in the products they’ll rely on every day,” she explains. “Today’s younger consumers prioritise quality over quantity, choosing products that will last well beyond their first term or tenancy.” The brand expects its new Cookware and Brew collections to be among


its strongest performers this season, reflecting continued demand for durable cookware and premium coffee-making at home. Alongside these launches, OXO’s etched graters and Box Grater continue to be bestsellers thanks to their versatility. Browne also highlights growing demand for products that simplify everyday cooking, with solutions such as the Precision Handheld Mandoline helping students prepare meals quickly and confidently. Space remains a key consideration for shoppers furnishing student accommodation and first homes. Browne says consumers are looking for products that combine functionality with compact design, making storage just as important as performance. OXO’s POP Containers, Twist & Stack Containers and Reusable Silicone Bags are designed to maximise cupboard and fridge space, while stackable cookware helps reduce kitchen clutter without compromising on usability. The move towards versatile, multi- functional products is another trend retailers should embrace. “Rather than filling kitchens with single- purpose gadgets, they’re investing in products that work harder, particularly where space is limited,” Ms Browne says. She also points to the continuing popularity of at-home coffee, with students increasingly recreating café-style drinks to save money.


Sustainability is becoming


a stronger influence on purchasing decisions too, with durability now seen as an essential part of value. “More consumers are recognising that buying well once is often more sustainable than replacing products time and again,” Ms Browne highlights. For retailers, she believes the biggest opportunity lies in showcasing complete kitchen solutions rather than individual products, helping shoppers build a practical, long-lasting kitchen while encouraging larger basket spends.


Food for thought


When it comes to back-to-school and back-to-university shopping, Black+Blum believes practicality should be at the heart of every purchase. Rather than filling baskets with products that may not stand the test of time, the brand encourages consumers to focus on durable, well-designed essentials that deliver lasting value. “For Back to School, it is important that lunch and drink products are


robust and durable,” the company says. “They are, after all, going to be used on an almost daily basis, and that means they need to stand up to a lot of use as well as repeated cleaning.” With that in mind, Black+Blum highlights its Lunch Box Original as an


everyday essential. Made from reinforced polypropylene with a Tritan lid, it features a leakproof sauce pot, removable inner compartment and a fully leakproof design. For colder months, the brand also recommends its Food Flask, which keeps meals hot for up to six hours, providing a practical solution for schools where microwave access isn’t available. Hydration remains another priority, with the brand’s stainless-steel water


bottle offering a generous 600ml capacity and a stainless-steel lid that eliminates contact between water and plastic. Completing the school range is the Lunch Bag, made from recycled plastic bottles, with a spacious 6.7- litre capacity and a roll-top design that makes it easy to carry or attach to a backpack or bicycle. For university students, versatility becomes even more important.


Black+Blum points to the growing popularity of meal prepping as a practical way to save money, with its multifunction stainless-steel meal prep containers offering a durable, stackable and leakproof solution that doubles as a lunchbox. The brand also highlights its insulated Travel Cup, designed to keep drinks hot for up to four hours while helping students reduce spending on takeaway coffee. As Black+Blum notes, investing in reusable, long-lasting products allows students to adapt to independent living while making more sustainable choices from day one.


BACK TO SCHOOL


NoStik BBQ Liner


Want to enjoy barbecuing without the mess? The reusable BBQ Liner from NoStik helps keep grills clean by preventing fats


and grease from dripping onto surfaces. Designed for convenience, it promotes healthier, fat-free cooking thanks to its


reliable non-stick coating, eliminating the need for added oils or greases. Engineered to stop food from sticking or slipping through the grill, it still allows those classic seared grill lines to form, preserving the authentic BBQ experience. The durable, food-safe material is heat resistant up to 260°C, ensuring consistent


performance under high temperatures. Built for repeated use, it offers a practical, long-lasting solution for cleaner, easier outdoor cooking.


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