THE CHICAGO SHOW KEEPING UP WITH THE TIMES
A major event in the home goods industry across the Atlantic, the Inspired Home Show is constantly evolving to stay connected to the times. A key marketplace for European brands looking to expand into the American market, it also provides an opportunity for visiting French buyers to discover new brands and immerse themselves in American retail culture. A real source of inspiration.
“Although much has changed since the first event in 1939, one constant throughout the decades has been the show’s commitment to bringing together top-tier buyers and sellers. In March, we will celebrate both our past and our future as we continue to evolve in order to create the most productive and dynamic home market possible.” says Derek Miller, CEO of the International Housewares Association, as he introduces the 125th edition of the Inspired Home Show, which will take place from March 2 to 4, 2025.
This year, 1,400 suppliers from around the world will once again showcase their latest innovations and collections, aiming to break into or strengthen their presence in the American market. This is an opportunity for European buyers to discover some hidden gems. Throughout the show, they will also find specially designed stands to inform and inspire them, and help them immediately identify the latest and most innovative products in the industry: Pantone ColorWatch Display – A special Pantone exhibition showcasing color palettes representing the strongest trends in home furnishings for 2025/2026.
Each story includes individual Pantone colors, the philosophy behind the palette, and products illustrating each range; Inventors Corner – Unique ideas across product categories; inventors present their ideas to professionals for feedback and investment; New Product Showcase – An exclusive showcase of products never seen before at the show; gia Product Design Display – The latest cutting-edge designs and innovations from exhibitors awarded prizes, presenting the five finalists in 14 product categories; gia Student Design – The next generation of promising product designers, straight out of university programs, present their ideas to the industry. These spaces are paired with a series of insightful conferences allowing deeper exploration of each topic.
The show’s offerings, which cover a wide range of the home industry (Clean+Contain, Dine+Decor, Travel Gear+Luggage, Wire+Well, International Sourcing), will this year be expanded to include two strategic categories: indoor candles and pet accessories, which will be managed by the relevant U.S. associations of these key sectors.
As the official representative of IHA in France, Pascal Glorieux (also CEO of Glop Studio) is available to assist French professionals interested in the event. They will find detailed information to help them organize their visit on the comprehensive website, TheInspiredHomeShow.com.
GIA AWARDS – EXCELLENCE IN RETAILING
Alongside the show, a major event organized by the IHA rewards the best in retail worldwide each year. The French winner of gia France 2025 will compete internationally against the 25 best retailers chosen globally through a national selection process. All will receive their trophies during an exclusive gala evening, where the five winners, particularly distinguished by an expert jury, will be crowned the best store concept in the world for 2025. This year, the exceptional Album de Famille store in Granville, winner of our national selection, will represent France.