This month we’re asking retailers: What are you expecting to be in high demand in 2026?
The Good Sleep Company
If I could definitively answer that question, I’d probably be a millionaire! My spidey senses tell me that people are going to carry on looking for good value products and that deal making with suppliers will be more important than ever. I’m hoping that the public start to get a bit more adventurous in their colour choices and that bold colours continue to become more popular so that we can move on from so much grey!
Home World – Mattress & Bed Centres
Blimey that’s the golden question isn’t it. What will be in high demand in 2026? Well, I hope it’s products from our store! Seriously though, I think things will be similar to 2025. The colour Grey I think will slow a little and “autumn shade” will become more popular. I think Green will be more popular too. Hopefully the families getting more universal credit from April will feel more secure and renew their mattresses.
Cox & Cox
Moving into 2026, we’re expecting to see considered pieces of furniture with timeless appeal and versatility come to the forefront of shoppers’ minds. With sustainability an important consideration, quality furniture that can be passed down through the years, from home to home, is going to become increasingly prevalent for many. Something like our Hals Adjustable Shelf Unit provides storage solutions that can be moulded to fit any space or style. With its ability to adapt and change shape, it can be used as corner storage or even as a room divider where space might be limited: the perfect piece that can be used throughout the years.
Linthorpe Beds
Looking ahead to 2026, we expect wellness and personalisation to be major drivers of customer demand. Customers are increasingly prioritising sleep quality as part of a healthier lifestyle, placing greater emphasis on comfort, support, and temperature regulation. Personalisation will play a key role, with customers seeking the ability to bespoke both mattress feel and bed appearance, from tailored comfort levels and support preferences to customised fabrics, finishes, and designs that suit their bedroom style.
Dreamland
In terms of what we expect to see in high demand in 2026, I believe the most significant differentiator will continue to be service rather than product alone. How a business looks after its customers, from knowledge and transparency through to aftercare and trust, is becoming a core part of the value proposition. Consumers are increasingly loyal to businesses that can clearly articulate why something is right for them, not simply what they are buying.
From a product perspective, there is a very clear and growing demand for value. By value, I don’t necessarily mean “cheap,” but rather the ability to justify a product’s price point regardless of where it sits in the market. Customers are more informed, more inquisitive, and far more willing to challenge pricing unless it is clearly explained in terms of quality, performance, longevity, or suitability.
One of the biggest shifts we’ve seen is the diminishing weight of traditional name brands. There has been a noticeable rise in lesser-known or emerging brands, many of which consumers are unfamiliar with when they first come into the store. Interestingly, once educated, customers are increasingly open to these alternatives, and in many cases actively prefer them. Across our team, there is a strong inclination toward smaller or independent brands where the product stands on its own merits rather than relying solely on brand recognition.
From a business model perspective, this reflects a broader move from a brand-led model to a value- and trust-led model. Retailers that adapt by focusing on education, storytelling, and experience, rather than brand prestige alone, are better positioned for the future. Change management within the business has meant upskilling teams, empowering them to confidently recommend non-mainstream options, and reframing conversations around outcomes and benefits rather than logos.
