THE INSPIRED HOME SHOW 2026 Review


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Millennials and Gen X dominate spending, accounting for around 60–70 per cent of the market, while Baby Boomers, though buying less frequently, tend to deliver higher-margin sales. Gen Z currently represents a smaller share but offers strong future potential, driven by its influence on trends through social media. Each group shows distinct behaviours. Gen Z favours space-saving, personalisable and refurbished products, while Millennials prioritise convenience, entertaining and home-focused solutions. Gen X combines high spending power with demand for comfort, wellness and home improvement, and Boomers focus on quality, longevity and products that support ageing in place. Across all generations, quality and trust


are the primary drivers of value, alongside durability and performance, with safety rising in importance. Promotions, free delivery and returns remain key purchase triggers, while ratings and reviews continue to gain influence. Sustainability is also becoming more important, as consumers increasingly favour brands demonstrating environmental and social responsibility. For retailers, the challenge is to balance functional value with emotional connection, tailoring strategies to meet the differing expectations of each generation.


Let’s hear from the exhibitors Exhibitor feedback at the show highlighted a shift towards practical, lifestyle-led innovation, with demand growing for products that deliver convenience and independence. For BEKE Robot, the show proved very positive, with strong interest in personal mobility and smart travel solutions. Its electric luggage, featuring rideable and follow modes, alongside lightweight senior scooters, attracted particular attention from international buyers seeking compact, airline-friendly options. Two key trends emerged: the rise of micro- mobility for everyday use, and a more design-led approach to “ageing in place”, with products becoming more stylish and less clinical. While footfall was steady, engagement was notably deeper, with buyers asking detailed questions around compliance, weight and after-sales support.


Hands-on interaction was strong, with many visitors testing products on stand. The brand


noted a clear shift from novelty to reliable daily mobility, shaping its focus for 2026. Exhibitors also pointed to a positive, if more focused, trading environment, with quality of engagement outweighing overall footfall. According to Natalie Harrison of Dualit, the show delivered a strong mix of contacts, from major retailers to independents, alongside valuable media engagement. While visitor numbers were slightly lower than in previous years, conversations were more in-depth and commercially meaningful, reflecting a more targeted audience.


For Dualit, a key focus was reinforcing its commitment to the US market, using the show as a platform to strengthen relationships and highlight its long-term growth ambitions in North America. Product-wise, the brand’s Classic toaster range once again drew the most attention, with discussions often centred on UK manufacturing and the implications for tariffs compared with goods produced in other regions. In terms of wider trends, Harrison noted a shift


towards bolder, more expressive colour palettes across the show floor. Despite ongoing market uncertainty, the overall mood remained optimistic, with growth firmly on the agenda for 2026. First-time exhibitor Dancemoon highlighted


the growing importance of design-led innovation and emotional connection in everyday products. Centred around its JustHang Squeegee, the brand created a visually striking stand, including a grid-style “Squeegee Wall” and an oversized 3D model that drew strong attention from buyers. A display of Pantone-inspired concept colours further reinforced how functional products can double as design statements within the home.


The team noted a clear shift towards what it described as “emotional value”, with buyers increasingly seeking products that combine practicality with a sense of calm and aesthetic appeal. This aligns with a broader move towards more considered, design-focused purchasing. Despite being a newcomer, dancemoon


reported highly engaged conversations with professional buyers, who were particularly interested in original, problem-solving designs rather than mass-market products. The key takeaway for 2026 is the importance of originality and strong brand identity, with minimalist design and clear functionality seen as key differentiators in a crowded market.


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