As the schoolwear sector navigates new legislation, evolving consumer expectations and retail challenges, The Schoolwear Show 2026 offers a timely opportunity for the industry to come together, discover fresh products, gain practical insight and build valuable connections. CWB speaks to the show’s organisers about what visitors and suppliers can look forward to at this year’s event.
CWB: What key issues and opportunities do you expect to shape conversations at The Schoolwear Show 2026?
The Schoolwear Show: The new school uniform legislation will inevitably be a significant backdrop to this year’s show, as retailers, suppliers and schools adapt to the changes coming into effect from September. There will undoubtedly be challenges, but also opportunities for businesses to review their ranges, work more closely with schools and look at how they can continue to offer parents quality, value and choice. Alongside legislation, the wider pressures facing retailers around costs and changing consumer expectations will continue to be important topics, so the show provides a valuable opportunity for the industry to come together, share experiences and discuss how best to respond.
CWB: Will the show be offering further guidance to help retailers adapt to changes?
TSS: Yes. The legislation will clearly be one of the biggest issues facing the sector this year, and the show provides an important opportunity for retailers and suppliers to discuss what the changes mean in practice. The Schoolwear Association has been working hard to keep the industry informed and to provide guidance to members, and we expect the subject to feature prominently at the show. It will be a valuable opportunity for retailers to ask questions, share experiences and understand how others are approaching the changes.
CWB: How is the Schoolwear Association contributing to the 2026 show?
TSS: As always, the Schoolwear Association will play a pivotal role. This year, its involvement is particularly important given the changes taking place within the sector. The show provides an excellent platform for the Association to engage directly with members, provide updates and guidance on the legislation, promote high standards across the industry and continue to advocate for the value of specialist schoolwear retailers and suppliers.
CWB: What topics can we expect from this year’s seminars?
TSS: The seminar programme will again be tailored to independent retailers, schoolwear suppliers and other industry professionals. Unsurprisingly, legislation and its practical implications will be an important area of discussion. We also expect to cover wider issues affecting retailers, including business performance, changing consumer behaviour and opportunities to develop and diversify their businesses. As in previous years, the aim is to provide practical insight that visitors can take away and apply within their own businesses.
CWB: School footwear brands attracted strong interest at the show in 2025. Which product categories are gaining momentum for 2026?
TSS: Footwear continues to be an interesting area, particularly as retailers look at opportunities to diversify their offer and increase the number of categories they can provide to families. We are also seeing continued interest in sportswear, outerwear and accessories. Retailers are increasingly looking at complementary products that sit naturally alongside their core school uniform offer and can help them become more of a one-stop shop for parents.
CWB: What types of new exhibitors or innovations are you most excited for attendees to experience this year?
TSS: As always, we are keen to bring a good mix of established schoolwear suppliers alongside new businesses and brands that can introduce fresh ideas to the sector. What makes the show particularly useful is the opportunity to see products first-hand, whether that is new fabrics, new approaches to decoration, developments in footwear and sportswear, or technology and services that can help retailers run their businesses more efficiently.
CWB: Are you seeing any notable shifts in how suppliers are approaching design, fabrics or sustainability for 2026 ranges?
TSS: Sustainability remains important, but the conversation is becoming increasingly focused on durability and longevity as well as the materials themselves. A product that performs well, lasts longer and can potentially be passed on or reused, provides both environmental benefits and better value for parents. Suppliers continue to look at more sustainable fabrics and manufacturing processes, but there is also a strong emphasis on comfort, performance and practicality. Ultimately, schoolwear has to withstand a great deal of wear, so quality and durability remain fundamental.
CWB: Are there any networking opportunities planned for 2026 to help retailers and suppliers connect?
TSS: Absolutely. One of the real strengths of The Schoolwear Show is bringing the industry together in one place. Alongside the formal business taking place on stands, there will be opportunities around the seminars and throughout the show for retailers and suppliers to meet, exchange ideas and build relationships. Particularly at a time of significant change for the sector, having the opportunity to speak openly with peers and share experiences is incredibly valuable.
CWB: How do you see The Schoolwear Show continuing to evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly changing market?
TSS: The show has always evolved alongside the industry and that will continue. It remains the only UK exhibition dedicated solely to the schoolwear sector, so it has an important role not only as a buying event but as a place where the industry can come together, learn and exchange ideas. As the market changes, we want to continue broadening the range of products, suppliers and expertise available at the show, while ensuring independent retailers remain at its heart. Whether visitors are looking for new products, practical guidance, ideas to develop their business or simply the opportunity to speak to others facing the same challenges, we want the show to provide genuine value.
Show information
The Schoolwear Show
Venue: Cranmore Park, Cranmore Avenue, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands B90 4LF
Sunday 11 October 2026 • 9am – 5pm Monday 12 October 2026 • 9am – 4.30pm
www.theschoolwearshow.co.uk