Top Drawer S/S26: The UK’s Leading Design-Led Trade Show Returns to Olympia London

Registration is now open for Top Drawer Spring/Summer 2026, the UK’s premier destination for design-led retail discovery. Taking place from 11–13 January 2026 at Olympia London, this must-attend trade show promises to inspire and connect the creative retail community under the forward-thinking theme “Fast FWD to Design.”

A Curated Destination for Creative Retailers

Recognised as one of the UK’s leading design-led trade show, Top Drawer S/S26 brings together over 600 visionary brands, emerging makers, and innovative designers across seven expertly curated sectors: Home, Gift, Fashion, Greetings, Wellbeing, Play, and Launchpad.

Each exhibitor is hand-selected for originality, sustainability, and commercial readiness, ensuring buyers experience the most relevant and retail-ready product edit in the market.

Fast FWD to Design: A Future-Focused Theme

The “Fast FWD to Design” concept embodies Top Drawer’s commitment to creative progress — offering fresh finds, insightful content, and meaningful connections that turn ideas into actionable business opportunities.

The 2026 edition highlights three defining pillars:

  • Curation: A refined, design-first product edit prioritising originality and sustainability.
  • Content: Practical, insight-led sessions covering trends, branding, digital innovation, and merchandising.
  • Connection: Structured introductions and peer networking designed to accelerate business growth.

A Proven Platform for Growth

Building on the success of Top Drawer A/W25, the upcoming show continues the event’s upward trajectory. The previous edition recorded:

  • A 20% increase in core retailer attendance
  • 18% more independent buyers and a 24% rise in museum buyers
  • A 77% increase in buyers from multiples
  • A 47% rise in visitors with £1m+ spending power
  • International attendance up by 22%, with visitors from 73 countries

Where Trends, Community, and Learning Meet

The Retail Revealed Live theatre returns for S/S26, delivering a dynamic programme of trend-led talks, practical masterclasses, and open-panel discussions featuring industry leaders in modern retail.

Buyers can also explore Launchpad, which champions emerging talent and first-time exhibitors. In partnership with University of the Arts London (UAL), this showcase highlights standout graduate designers — offering a glimpse into the next generation of British creativity. Notably, 32% of exhibitors at the last edition were new to the show, reinforcing Top Drawer’s reputation for fresh discovery.

Trend Insights with The Better Trends Co

The Trends Feature, curated by The Better Trends Co, decodes SS26’s key design directions into clear, commercial insights. Buyers gain actionable guidance to confidently invest in what consumers will love next, making this an essential stop for informed sourcing.

The Business Hub & Social Studio: Empowering Retail Success

Dedicated to fostering innovation and growth, the Business Hub returns with the Social Studio, a hands-on learning space designed to upskill retailers in a fast-evolving digital landscape. Attendees can expect:

  • Expert-led masterclasses tailored to current retail challenges
  • Live demonstrations for building creative and digital confidence
  • Social media clinics covering content creation, audience engagement, and platform strategy
  • One-to-one mentoring and networking sessions in a collaborative environment

Whether seeking strategic guidance or creative inspiration, the Business Hub provides tools to help retailers thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.

Industry Insight

David Westbrooke, Event Director at Top Drawer, explains:

“Fast FWD To Design is about momentum — skipping past average to deliver what matters most: curated, design-first products, insight-driven learning, and a community brimming with talent. If you want to be part of the future, be part of Top Drawer.”

Join the Creative Retail Community

Following record-breaking attendance in 2025, Top Drawer S/S26 is set to deliver a boutique yet globally relevant buying experience, filled with exclusive activations, inspiring content, and purposeful networking.

Retailers, buyers, and design enthusiasts are invited to secure their badge now and step into a spring of fresh inspiration at Olympia London this January.

Register now at topdrawer.co.uk

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