The Inspired Home Show 2026 wrapped its three-day run at Chicago’s McCormick Place on March 12, bringing together more than 1,000 exhibitors, thousands of unique brands and attendees from more than 100 countries. The U.S.-based buyers alone represented more than 100,000 retail locations and nearly $75 billion in buying power.
The show, produced annually by the International Housewares Association (IHA), ran March 10-12 and marked the first year of a new Tuesday-through-Thursday date pattern, adopted following industry polling. Feedback on the schedule change was described as overwhelmingly positive. The 2027 show is scheduled for March 9-11 in Chicago.
Senior executives, DMMs, GMMs and buyers from virtually every major U.S. retailer attended, including Amazon, Costco, Kroger, Albertsons, Target, Walmart, Sam’s Club, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Publix, Wakefern Food Corp., Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Kohl’s, Macy’s, TJX Companies, Williams Sonoma, Sur La Table and more than 40 other retail organizations.
International buyers represented market-leading retailers from more than 30 countries, including Loblaw and Costco Canada, Carrefour France, Rewe Germany, Coupang South Korea, Walmart Canada and Central America, El Corte Inglés Spain, Shoprite Checkers South Africa and Tmall Global China, among others.
Derek Miller, IHA president and CEO, said in-person connection was especially valued this year given the economic backdrop.
“It’s no secret that geopolitical and economic uncertainties have created challenges for retailers and suppliers. But these uncertainties also come at a time when consumers are increasingly looking to their homes for cooking, entertaining, comfort, wellness and so much more. Senior leaders from both the supplier and buyer sides are telling us how invaluable it was for them to connect in-person at this year’s Show and identify new partners, products, trends and ideas that will help them gain a competitive edge in the year ahead,” Miller said.
Show features and attractions
The 2026 show ran four expos — Clean + Contain, Dine + Décor, Wired + Well and International Sourcing — across two halls connected by the Grand Concourse. New and returning attractions included the Candle Pavilion in partnership with the National Candle Association, the Pet Products Pavilion in partnership with the American Pet Products Association, an expanded Debut incubator for emerging brands, an expanded Inventors Corner, Global Design Points spotlighting trends from Brazil, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Turkey, the Pantone ColorWatch Display tied to the 2027 home interiors forecast and a new SPLiCE Licensing Hub connecting attendees with brands seeking licensing deals.
Four keynotes addressed consumer trends, AI strategies and growth opportunities in home and housewares. Inspiration Theater sessions covered topics including tariffs, licensing and retail strategy. The show also hosted Inspired Women in Housewares networking and panel programming, as well as events for independent retailers and young professionals.
The IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) honored excellence in product design, retailing and student achievement — the product design winners were announced during the show’s run.
Nearly 200 media professionals attended, with live coverage from outlets including The New York Times/Wirecutter, Forbes, CNN Underscored, Good Housekeeping, Food Network Magazine, America’s Test Kitchen and several Chicago broadcast stations.
[RELATED: IHA Survey: Consumers Plan To Host More At-Home Gatherings In 2026]