EDITOR’S COMMENT
December 2025/January 2026
housewareslive.net
The only way is up! W
ell, here we are again – the start of a new year. 2026. None of us can say for certain what it will bring, but from everything I’m hearing, it’s shaping up to be an exciting one. There’s something about turning the calendar that naturally invites reflection, but also a renewed sense of energy and possibility. And if there’s one thing our industry does well, it’s adapting. In business, as in life, success is often less about what happens to you and more about how you respond. Consumer habits continue to evolve, and while the wider economic
picture may be beyond our control, the way we innovate, merchandise and connect with shoppers very much is. Encouragingly, there are real reasons to feel optimistic. After a challenging few years, the sector enters 2026 on firmer ground. Trading updates point to stabilising demand, improving consumer confidence and a gradual return to spending. Big-ticket purchases
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are no longer being endlessly delayed, while replacement buying across core housewares categories remains resilient. Service-led revenue also continues to shine, with retailers seeing
strong growth in areas such as repairs, warranties, installations and subscriptions. Credit adoption is rising too, helping consumers manage their spend while supporting healthy basket values. With that positive momentum in mind, this issue looks firmly to what’s
ahead. We bring you a comprehensive preview of Ambiente in Frankfurt, offering a first look at the trends, innovations and ideas set to shape the year to come. We’re also delighted to reveal the winner of our first-ever Housewares Christmas competition, and, for something a little different, we unveil our mystery shoppers feature, taking a closer look at the in-store experience through the eyes of the consumer. I’m feeling positive about the year ahead – and I hope you are too.
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