10 Merchandising Trade Shows Not to Miss in 2026
Retail moves fast—one day, you’re on-trend, the next, you’re wondering why your best-selling item is now a clearance bin reject. That’s why merchandising trade shows matter.
They’re where you find new products, meet suppliers, and stay ahead of what’s actually selling.
Skip them, and you might:
- Waste money on inventory that nobody wants.
- Watch competitors cash in on trends while you play catch-up.
- Miss key connections that could land you better deals and exclusives.
Luckily, we’ve done the legwork and rounded up the best merchandising trade shows of 2026—so you don’t have to. Let’s get into it.
The Best Merchandising Trade Shows 2026, Your Handy Shortlist
Whether you’re out to level up your merchandising game, scope out the latest retail tech, lock in new supplier relationships, or just figure out what’s actually selling this year, these trade shows have you covered:
- The Merchandise Center (TMC) Expo - Chicago, IL (Multiple dates)
- NY NOW - New York City, NY (February 1-3, 2026)
- American Manufacturing Summit - Chicago, IL (March 17-18, 2026)
- ASD Market Week - Las Vegas, NV (March 17-19, 2026)
- The NAMA Show - Los Angeles, CA (April 22-24, 2026)
- High Point Market - High Point, NC (April 25-29, 2026)
- Supermarket Representatives Inc. - Orlando, FL (May 29-31, 2026)
- Outdoor Trade Show - Liverpool, England (June 2-4, 2026)
- Autumn Fair - Birmingham, UK (September 6-9, 2026)
- White Label World Expo - Multiple dates and locations
The 10 Best Merchandising Trade Shows of 2026
OK, now let's look at each of these stellar trade shows, with each event’s dates, location, pricing, and unique offerings.
1. The Merchandise Center (TMC) Expo - Chicago, IL (Multiple dates)
- Dates:
- February 11-12, 2026
- May 4-5, 2026
- June 24-25, 2026
- October 7-8, 2026
- November 2-3, 2026
- December 9-10, 2026
- Location: The Merchandise Center
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Social Media: Facebook
The Merchandise Center (TMC) is a wholesale trade show hub in Chicago that hosts multiple buying events throughout the year. It’s organized for retailers in the general merchandise, seasonal, and gift sectors and features permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits from national and regional brands. Buyers come to source across categories like toys, housewares, health & beauty, and electronics.
Why attend? You and your team can source year-round without the pressure of a once-a-year trade show. TMC’s multi-date schedule makes it easier to plan buying trips around your retail calendar.
The focus on curated showrooms supports deeper supplier relationships, product testing, and repeat ordering, which sets it apart from large-scale, short-duration merchandising trade shows.
2. NY NOW - New York City, NY (February 1-3, 2026)
- Dates: February 1-3, 2026
- Location: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
- Pricing: Free (for qualified buyers)
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn
NY NOW is a premier wholesale event aimed at connecting brands with buyers. It focuses on fostering business relationships and showcasing innovative products. This event features influential speakers and supports emerging designers.
Why attend? At NY NOW, you’ll discover new makers and reconnect with established lines, all in one place. It organizes its floor by category, so it’s easy for your team to source across home décor, wellness, kids, stationery, and more. You’ll also get access to educational programming and trend-focused events tailored for boutique buyers, merchandisers, and independent retailers.
3. American Manufacturing Summit - Chicago, IL (March 17-18, 2026)
- Dates: March 17-18, 2026
- Location: Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Social Media: LinkedIn
The American Manufacturing Summit is a leading conference for manufacturing executives in the Midwest. It brings together industry leaders to explore advancements in manufacturing technology and operations.
The summit features expert speakers such as Jochen Kärcher, SVP of Global Manufacturing at Bosch; Chris Nielsen, EVP of Chief Supply Chain and Chief Quality Officer at Toyota North America; and Catalina Vargas, SVP of Global Supply Chain at Bristol Myers Squibb. It also provides interactive sessions designed to foster innovation and collaboration among manufacturers.
Why attend? Attend the American Manufacturing Summit to learn from industry pioneers and engage in discussions on manufacturing trends and technologies. It provides a platform for networking with peers and exploring solutions that can enhance your operations.
The event is an ideal opportunity for your team to gain insights and strategies that drive efficiency and innovation in manufacturing.
4. ASD Market Week - Las Vegas, NV (March 17-19, 2026)
- Dates: March 17-19, 2026
- Location: Las Vegas Convention Center
- Pricing: Free (for registered and qualified industry professionals)
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
ASD Market Week is a premier B2B trade show that caters to retailers seeking a wide variety of merchandise, from gifts and home décor to fashion accessories. It draws thousands of attendees and features over 1,800 vendors. The event is a key event for discovering new products and building business relationships.
“ASD is a must for any retailer looking for high-margin products that customers love! We always find hidden gems among the vast selection of vendors. It’s like a treasure hunt, and the excitement of discovering great products keeps us coming back.”
– Buyer from Betsy’s Hallmark
Why attend? Your team should attend ASD Market Week to explore a vast selection of high-margin products and connect with industry leaders. The event offers a unique platform for sourcing merchandise and gaining insights into retail trends.
With its comprehensive range of categories and networking opportunities, it's an essential event for retailers looking to expand their offerings and grow their business.
5. The NAMA Show - Los Angeles, CA (April 22-24, 2026)
- Dates: April 22-24, 2026
- Location: Los Angeles Convention Center
- Pricing: Operator registration from $349 (members) - $649 (non-members)
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) Show is an annual event for professionals in the convenience services industry, focusing on vending, coffee services, and micro markets. It offers a platform for learning about the latest trends and technologies. Attendees can expect to hear from industry leaders and explore a wide range of products and services.
Why attend? This event provides your team with insights into the latest innovations in convenience services. The event features engaging sessions, product showcases, and networking opportunities with industry peers. It's a great chance to discover new solutions and strategies that can enhance your business operations and customer experience.
6. High Point Market - High Point, NC (April 25-29, 2026)
- Dates: April 25-29, 2026
- Location: High Point Market
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
HPMKT is the largest home furnishings trade show in the world. It attracts thousands of attendees from the home furnishings industry, offering a vast array of products and innovations. The event is organized by the High Point Market Authority and features notable speakers and design experts.
Why attend? Attending HPMKT gives your team access to the latest in home furnishings and design trends. With 11,500,000 square feet of showrooms to explore, the event offers a wide range of products from top manufacturers and provides networking opportunities with industry leaders. It's the ultimate destination for discovering new ideas and expanding your business in the home furnishings market.
7. Supermarket Representatives Inc. - Orlando, FL (May 29-31, 2026)
- Dates: May 29-31, 2026
- Location: Signia by Hilton Orlando
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
Supermarket Representatives Inc. is a retail conference & expo designed for grocery and foodservice buyers across the Southeast. Held annually in Florida, it brings together supermarket chains, independent stores, and suppliers. The event offers a curated space to showcase grocery innovations, consumer trends, and in-store solutions.
Why attend? You’ll meet with key decision-makers from national and regional chains in a focused, appointment-based format. The show creates an efficient environment to launch new products, pitch to buyers, and grow your retail network. Whether you're a manufacturer or retail merchandiser, your team can gain exposure to high-volume retail channels.
8. Outdoor Trade Show - Liverpool, England (June 2-4, 2026)
- Dates: June 2-4, 2026
- Location: Exhibition Centre Liverpool
- Pricing: TBA
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
OTS is a prominent event for outdoor industry professionals, offering a platform to showcase the latest products and innovations. It brings together brands, retailers, and industry experts. The event is organized to foster connections and explore new trends in outdoor gear and apparel.
"OTS was a great opportunity to meet my existing suppliers and new brands who offer future potential. I was delighted to hear about developments on extended sizing from several brands, and look forward to following those up and bringing them to store in the near future."
– Rebecca Dawson, Founder of Vampire Outdoor Gear
Why attend? Your team will benefit from attending the OTS by connecting with key players in the outdoor industry. The event provides an opportunity to discover cutting-edge products and gain insights into market trends. With its focus on innovation and networking, it's a valuable experience for expanding your business's reach in the outdoor sector.
9. Autumn Fair - Birmingham, UK (September 6-9, 2026)
- Dates: September 6-9, 2026
- Location: NEC Birmingham
- Pricing: Free (for eligible and registered attendees)
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
The Autumn Fair is a leading wholesale trade show in the UK. It's designed for retailers seeking the latest in home, gift, and fashion products. The event features over 800+ exhibitors and coincides with the Glee event, enhancing its appeal to a broad audience.
"It's been such a lovely experience to see so many amazing brands come together and put on such a great show. We always do Autumn Fair every year and I love the opportunity it brings to meet and connect with great buyers and other exhibitors!"
– Jess England, Life Charms
Why attend? At the Autumn Fair, you can browse thousands of products across trend-led sectors, including giftware, home décor, and sustainable goods. It stands out for its focus on product discovery, with curated showcases and new brand launches. There’s also a packed schedule of retail insights, including workshops, buyer sessions, and live product demos.
10. White Label World Expo - Multiple dates and locations
- Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
- Location: Multiple locations (see table below)
- Pricing: Free
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
White Label World Expo is a premier event for eCommerce professionals, focusing on private label and retail sourcing in both the USA and the UK. It's designed to connect sellers with suppliers and industry experts. The expo features a range of speakers and exhibitors, offering insights into the latest trends and strategies. It attracts a global audience looking to expand their business ventures.
White Label World Expo: Locations & Dates
| Location | Date |
|---|---|
| Las Vegas, NV | September 23-24, 2026 |
| London, UK | November 11-12, 2026 |
Why attend? Attend the White Label World Expo to explore new products and connect with suppliers. It provides valuable networking opportunities and educational sessions that can enhance your business strategies.
With a focus on innovation and growth, it's an ideal platform for discovering new opportunities in the eCommerce and retail sectors.
Other Retail Conferences & Events
Depending on your retail niche, you might be looking for events that cater more specifically to your selling strategy. Here are some additional recommendations I've compiled.
- Retail management conferences with broad coverage of retail industry topics
- General retail conferences to level up your IRL selling know-how
- For the food purveyors out there, there are food trade shows and grocery trade shows to give you some help
Get Your Merch Right
Merchandising trade shows aren’t just industry events—they’re where the best retailers get ahead.
The right show can help you find winning products, build supplier relationships, and stay on top of market trends before they hit the mainstream.
So, don’t sit this one out. Pick the shows that fit your business, make a plan, and get ready to turn connections into opportunities. See you out there.
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