The Inspired Home Show 2025 Delivers Strong Results
The Inspired Home Show 2025 concluded last week, leaving participants energized and poised to build on the event’s success. As the premier global marketplace for the home and housewares industry, the Show brought together 2,000 unique brands and 300,000 products, attracting attendees from 115 countries at Chicago’s McCormick Place for its 125th edition.
“Senior leaders from both the supplier and buyer sides have emphasized the value of the high-quality, executive-level meetings that took place over just three days—all under one roof,” said Derek Miller, President & CEO of the International Housewares Association (IHA), which organizes the Show. “These critical connections, along with exposure to innovative products and emerging trends, will drive industry growth in the coming year.”
Unparalleled Retail Engagement
The 2025 event saw strong participation from key retailers, with senior-level executives, DMMs, GMMs, and buyers from major domestic and international chains. U.S. buyers in attendance represented more than 100,000 retail locations and accounted for over $64 billion in purchasing power, according to Circana.
Key U.S. Retailers in Attendance Included:
Amazon, Costco, Walmart, Target, Macy’s, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Wayfair, TJX, CVS Health, Walgreens, Dollar General, Kroger, Publix, Meijer, Williams Sonoma, Sur La Table, Crate & Barrel, and many more.
Leading International Retailers Represented:
Canada: Canadian Tire, Loblaw’s, Home Depot, Walmart
Europe & UK: Carrefour (France), TJX (UK & Europe), Tesco (UK), Harrods (UK), El Corte Inglés (Spain)
Latin America: Falabella (Chile, Colombia, Peru), Liverpool (Mexico), Sam’s Club (Brazil, Mexico)
Asia & Australia: Alibaba Group (China), Coupang (South Korea), Bunnings (Australia), Amazon (India)
A Dynamic Showcase of Innovation
The Show featured an expansive selection of new and returning exhibitors, reflecting the industry’s continued evolution. Approximately 20,000 products debuted at the event, reinforcing its reputation as a launchpad for the latest home and housewares innovations.
Notable New and Returning Brands Included:
Le Creuset, Cuisinart, Philips, Bodum, Lodge Cast Iron, Gibson Homewares, Nordic Ware, Dash, YouCopia, Trudeau Corporation, Silipint, WeatherTech, and many others.
Media Spotlight on the Show
The Inspired Home Show attracted nearly 200 media professionals from leading outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, NPR, The Today Show, The New York Times/Wirecutter, Good Housekeeping, Better Homes & Gardens, Food & Wine, Apartment Therapy, and Consumer Reports. Coverage focused on industry trends, product innovations, and retail insights shared during the event.
New Attractions and Industry Advancements
The 2025 Show introduced several exciting features:
• Travel Gear + Luggage Expo – A dedicated section for travel-related exhibitors.
• Candle Pavilion & Pet Products Pavilion – Created in partnership with the National Candle Association and American Pet Products Association.
• Debut Incubator Expansion – Doubled in size to highlight emerging housewares brands.
• Global Design Points – Showcased design trends from Brazil, Hong Kong, India, and Turkey.
• Pantone ColorWatch Display – Presented upcoming color trends for home and interiors.
• IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) – Honored excellence in product design, retailing, and student innovation.
• Robust Educational Programming – Keynotes and Innovation Theater sessions covered AI, PFAS legislation, consumer trends, and licensing strategies.
• Inspired Women in Housewares – A networking event featuring leading women in the industry.
• Housewares Cares Foundation Gala – Supported charities including the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, James Beard Foundation, World Central Kitchen, and Feeding America.
Looking Ahead: The Inspired Home Show 2026
Marking a shift in schedule, The Inspired Home Show 2026 will take place March 10-12, 2026, following a new mid-week format. Registration for exhibitors and attendees is now open at TheInspiredHomeShow.com.
“While we celebrated the 125th edition of this iconic event, our focus remains on the future,” said Miller. “We are continuously working to evolve the Show in ways that support the changing needs of our exhibitors, buyers, and retailers—helping them thrive in an ever-shifting market.”
Learn more about The Inspired HomeShow at TheInspiredHomeShow.com.
