The colour forecast for 2026 sees a rise in calming and connecting colours in response to continued global uncertainty and digital fatigue.
Ethereal palette. Designer: Bree Banfield. Digital imagery: Clinkr Studio
After a long gloomy winter, Australians are looking to invite warmth, lightness and optimism back into their lives—starting at home. This summer, Dulux colour forecasters predict a move toward romantic tones and airy pastels that promise to uplift, soothe and spark a more hopeful outlook.
“Dulux Ethereal—one of three palettes from the Dulux Colour Forecast 2026— offers a dreamy combination of colours that can be layered and combined to restore joy in our homes this summer,” says Lauren Treloar, colour and design manager.
Designed with summer living in mind, the Ethereal palette is soft, feminine and whimsical, evoking a sense of serenity through delicate pastel tones. Rounded furniture, tactile finishes and curved accessories perfectly complement these hues, resulting in interiors that feel light, gentle and inviting.
“The Ethereal palette is filled with colours that will resonate with homeowners,” adds Treloar. “They’re subtle, versatile and easy to work with in any style of home.”
Treloar adds that this shift toward softer, more romantic colour reflects a collective desire to rediscover beauty in the everyday.
“In a world marked by uncertainty, we’re seeking ways to create calm and nurture our emotional wellbeing. The Ethereal palette allows homeowners to do just that—every colour has an emotive quality that can transform a space into a beautiful sanctuary.”
To bring the Ethereal palette to life, Dulux teamed up with Stylist Bree Banfield to transform a family home—taking it from a neutral, mostly white backdrop to a soft, pastel-filled escape.
Banfield explains that the key to capturing a summer mood is choosing
colours that lift the space and spark joy—think sun-faded pastels, soft blues that echo the beach or even fresh citrusinspired hues that bring in a sunny vibe.
“In the living room, we wrapped the curved walls in Dulux Blue Shell and painted the ceiling in Dulux Soft Fresco,” says Banfield. “That simple change instantly opened up the space, making it feel cooler, calmer and so much more inviting.
Banfield also leaned into the room’s architecture, using its curves to enhance Dulux Ethereal’s playful, soft character.
“This palette is all about creating a mood that feels effortless and light, highlighting the gentle lines of the space helps emphasise the playful mood,” she says.
Banfield utilised curved furniture and rounded, tactile accessories including a boucle coffee table, woven rug, curvy occasional chair and oversized cushions to echo the shapes of the room and reinforce the dreamy, relaxed mood. Pastel-toned sculptural ceramics provided the final touch.
“Through colour and styling these spaces were transformed into rooms you want to linger in,” Banfield adds. “The soft pinks, blues and greens set a calm, relaxed tone that still feels uplifting. The mood feels lighter, creating that effortless feeling we associate with summer.”
In the main bedroom, the team took a bolder approach, colour drenching the walls and ceiling in Dulux Mask, a moody, romantic pink that completely transformed the space.
“Going from plain white to this deep, embracing pink has given the room such a dreamy, elegant feel,” Treloar adds. “Colour drenching is such a powerful way to uplift a space and make it feel larger and more unified.”
Rather than starting from scratch, Banfield worked with what was already in the room. She kept the existing cabinetry and linens, then layered in fresh details— floral-patterned cushions, artwork and a lamp with textural accents—to create a bedroom that feels romantic, restorative and effortlessly summery.
“Don’t be afraid to mix pattern and colour in unexpected ways—it’s those combinations that really bring the Ethereal palette to life.”
“It doesn’t take a full renovation to transform a room,” Banfield explains. “Simple updates like new bedlinen, light cotton or linen throws or even swapping out artwork can completely reset the mood for the season. Don’t be afraid to mix pattern and colour in unexpected ways—it’s those combinations that really bring the Ethereal palette to life.”
Light, sunny colours like these are one of the easiest ways to create an uplifting, welcoming space. “They make the whole mood of the room feel lighter—exactly what we crave in summer,” Treloar adds.
Colour forecast 2026
Curated into three palettes—Ethereal, Elemental and Evoke—this year’s forecast is all about warm earth-based neutrals, rich burnt oranges, caramels and greens such as sage, moss and spearmint.
Soft pinks and vintage rose tones also feature alongside tender pastels and muted berry shades. While each of the three palettes is distinct, there is universal yearning for wellness, stability and reconnection that can be seen within each of the palettes.
“In times of uncertainty including today’s cost-of-living pressures and geopolitical unrest, consumers tend to gravitate toward stability in design,” says colour and communications manager Andrea Lucena-Orr.
“That’s why we’re seeing a continued preference for warm, comforting colours in this year’s palettes. Colour has the power to lift spirits, offer emotional reassurance and bring a sense of calm into our homes.
“Australians are feeling digitally overwhelmed. There’s a strong shift towards emotional reconnection—with ourselves, with others and with nature. This translates into a need for warm, calming interiors that encourage reflection and joy.”
Among the most notable changes this year is the rising dominance of spearmint green, complemented by soft earthy pinks that pair beautifully with browns and burgundies. These trends mirror our collective desire for grounding and positivity, adds Lucena-Orr.
In contrast, brighter colours are used sparingly to bring personality and optimism into spaces. These include playful berry hues, pinks and rich accents such as burnt orange and vintage pink, layered over tactile materials.
“Each palette has been thoughtfully designed allowing consumers to mix and match shades with ease by staying within the confines of each palette. This flexibility empowers people to personalise their spaces in a way that truly reflects their style and lifestyle,” notes Treloar.
Ethereal
Dulux Ethereal is a soft, feminine and whimsical palette that offers a magical celebration of nature’s nurturing power. Designed to uplift and soothe, it draws on themes of wellness, quiet strength and spiritual selfcare.
Evoke palette. Styling: Bree Banfield. Photographer: Lisa Cohen
Ethereal palette. Styling: Bree Banfield. Photographer: Lisa Cohen
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This delicate yet playful palette encourages a reconnection with the natural rhythms that shape our lives over time. Inspired by fantasy fiction and restorative rituals, Dulux Ethereal provides a gentle escape—offering calm and comfort in a time of global uncertainty. Its themes draw on the growing cultural influence of fantasy fiction and healing rituals such as gardening, nature walks and journalling, reflecting a broader shift toward tenderness, renewal and a quiet resilience.
“Dulux Ethereal features a delicate pastel-like blend of soft and mid-tone hues—gentle greens, mauves and blush pinks—that evoke a sense of serenity and joy,” says Lucena-Orr.
The materials that bring this palette to life are just as considered. Reflective surfaces like glass and chrome introduce a luminous glow, whilst sand-blasted and texturised finishes contribute a softness and warmth. Light-coloured timbers—from soft oak to bleached variations—further aid in creating a restful ambiance. Plush fabrics featuring delicate, botanic patterns add texture, whilst a blend of subtle details and refined materials foster a feeling of softness, reminiscence and quiet opulence. Light is a key element in tying it all together,
helping illuminate spaces with a playful, dream-like, atmospheric softness.
“This is our most expressive palette,” adds Treloar. “The materials feel soft and inviting like soft oak, bleached wood and plush fabrics with gentle botanical designs. Shiny surfaces like glass and chrome bring light, whilst sand-blasted textures soften the shine, creating a dreamy, layered look.”
Elemental
Dulux Elemental offers a calm, grounded response to the overstimulation of modern life. Rooted in anti-burnout culture, this brutalist-inspired style embraces slow living, emotional clarity and purposeful simplicity.
The mood is calm, thoughtful and intentional, with pieces that feel solid, enduring and quietly beautiful.
Led by younger generations, there has been a considered movement for meaningful offline experiences. From supper clubs and themed potlucks that bring people together around the table, to board-game nights, scrapbooking, art and craft workshops, outdoor group fitness sessions and volunteer projects, people are seeking real-world connection. At the heart of this shift is a longing for quiet order
“Dulux Elemental reflects a desire for thoughtful consumption and balanced living. It’s not about having less for the sake of it but making room for what truly matters.”
and simplicity—a slower, more intentional way of living that values presence, purpose and community.
“Dulux Elemental reflects a desire for thoughtful consumption and balanced living. It’s not about having less for the sake of it but making room for what truly matters,” adds Lucena-Orr.
That same desire for purpose and longevity drives their taste in interiors. This palette showcases the natural environment with furniture, finishes and design choices prioritising repairability, durability and lasting utility over fleeting trends. Raw, enduring materials such as stone, concrete and timber anchor a responsible-design ethos where each element is built to
Elemental palette. Styling: Bree Banfield. Photographer: Lisa Cohen
last. Clean lines and unadorned forms highlight texture and function, with industrial chrome and aluminium accents adding a modern edge. From leather and suede textiles to eco-friendly fabrics, these materials add warmth, whilst charcoal-and-white occasional chairs inject bold character without clutter.
“The materials are made to be durable and products are designed to be easy to repair—think clean linens, raw concrete and polished marble, which combine both style and practicality. Chrome and aluminium bring a modern, industrial feel, softened by warm tones and small hints of copper.”
Evoke
Dulux Evoke is an optimistic, bold and expressive palette that channels individuality, reminiscence and emotional warmth. Inspired by maximalist interiors and ‘nana chic’, the Evoke palette reflects a conscious shift towards circular design celebrating sustainability, repurposed materials and the beauty of imperfection.
Retro-futurism emerges from blending elements of past eras like art deco, postmodernism and futuristic styles to create a vision for the future.
This growing appeal of blending old and new is also evident in the rise of vintage shopping to discover authentic pieces such as archive rugs, high gloss furniture finishes and statement lighting from the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Older generations find familiarity and refuge in these classic styles, whilst younger ones appreciate
the opportunity to blend them with modern elementscreating ‘nana chic’ spaces rich in character, texture and authenticity. This palette embraces a move away from uniform, pared back interiors in favour of maximalism, warmth and a more sustainable way of living.
“Dulux Evoke is likely to be popular with home enthusiasts as the colours lean into deep, comforting tones rather than bright hues,” says Lucena-Orr.
Dulux Evoke’s materials reflect its eclectic spirit— unconventional materials which blend vintage, handcrafted and sustainable elements. Marble, glass, faux fur and velvet come together alongside mid-tone and darker timbers, adding texture and depth. The palette is further accented by chrome, aluminium and copper—a diversion from gold, reflecting a growing financial consciousness. Opposing prints, bold colour combinations and carefully curated details contribute to a rich, character-filled space that feels lived-in, purposeful and like a true reflection of its owner.
“This palette favours eclectic, character-filled styling. It features vintage-inspired materials, handcrafted elements and curated clutter making spaces feel alive and layered, adding to our collections over time. Chrome and aluminium replace gold, whilst bold colour layering and clashing prints add texture, charm and a sense of layered character.” G
Elemental palette. Styling: Bree Banfield. Photographer: Lisa Cohen
Evoke palette. Styling: Bree Banfield. Photographer: Lisa Cohen
Stories
MAISON&OBJET
OPENS A NEW CHAPTER
The September edition was a catalyst for trends and showcase for (new) talent.
The September show was all about what is new—new innovations, new design, new talent and new spaces.
More than 51,000 visitors attended the homewares, decor and lifestyle fair which showcased over 2,000 brands including 626 new exhibitors, a record number for this show.
“In a complex economic context, both in France and in key strategic markets such as Germany, India and the United States, which are now facing new trade barriers, Maison&Objet and Paris Design Week have managed to stand out,” says Philippe Delhomme, president of the executive board (Maison&Objet, Paris Design Week and MOM).
The Maison&Objet (M&O) September fair was divided into six key sectors including Cook & Share (a space dedicated to culinary arts and kitchen innovation); Decor & Design (decoration in all its forms—the kind that moves, questions and transforms ideas into objects); Craft-métiers d’art (a tribute to craftsmanship and materials); Fragrance & Wellness (a world dedicated to wellbeing and olfactory
experiences); Fashion & Accessories (a space where fashion and design come together) and Gift & Play (a hub of creativity for the gift and toy industry).
This edition, under the banner of renewal, saw creator Amélie Pichard lead an out-of-the-box reflection on the evolution of our lifestyles with Welcome Home, a showcase set up as a living room with products that complemented the fair’s six categories.
“The September edition highlights the idea of breaking boundaries, which is also about this: breaking preconceived boxes and creating bridges,” she says.
“I love combining tradition and innovation, craftsmanship and new technologies as I did with Maison&Objet by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the creation process of the fair’s poster, for example.”
In this scenography imagined as a living house, each room is embodied by a brand or creator including window: exclusive collaboration with Morgane Tschiember; sugar cup: ephemeral
Pink
creation by Gabbois; wooden chair: sculptural design by Policronica; metal armchair: iconic piece by Airborne; toilet: signed Trône, offering a bold take on sanitary design; fast-food-style tableware: reinterpreted by Non Sans Raison; statue: loan from the Musée Rodin, bridging heritage and contemporary creation; carafe-vase: ceramic work by Anne Krieg; wall light: lighting concept by Bosc Design and Pop Phone by Native Union.
Tapping into the retro trend, the device with a wink to the ‘good old days’ but upgraded with today’s tech created quite the buzz at Maison&Objet and not the least for its impressive stand.
“We are bringing back a product that once made history,” says co-founder Igor Duc.
“Colourful, playful, useful and a little subversive. It marks the comeback of real conversation in an age of endless scrolling. Not nostalgia, but rebirth: upgraded with today’s tech and carrying a message against digital addiction.”
The POP Phone is easy to use. It works with all USB-C devices including smartphones, tablets and laptops. Just plug it in and enjoy a conversation.
Made from recycled materials and available in eight bold colours, POP Phone gives a second life to waste and keeps your smartphone away from your head, reducing exposure to mobile radiation by 99 per cent, according to the company.
“To celebrate 15 years of Native Union, we revisited the product that started it all.
In a world of endless scrolling and wireless everything, Pop Phone’s nod to the past may be just what we need. By bringing back the tactile satisfaction of a handset— brought forward with instant USB-C connection and high quality audio—we’ve created a tool that makes conversations more human again and is a playful tribute to how far you’ve helped us come.”
Held exclusively in September, the Cook & Share sector set the table around the theme of beauty. Lifestyle enthusiasts discovered the latest trends in hospitality, while the Gourmet area showcased culinary creations and savoir-faire.
Both emerging and established brands crafted a tailor-made menu designed to awaken the senses featuring leading names in cutlery, cookware and gourmet decoration.
In Hall 4, the Factory by Émergence space highlighted the new generation of tableware. Supported by the Confédération des Arts de la Table and Francéclat, this initiative enabled young brands to present innovative collections which focus on new ways of living.
“By injecting innovation, energy, creativity and a touch of the exceptional, we have provided professionals, both distributors and specifiers, with the opportunity to discover new offerings and generate real business momentum,” says Delhomme.
Finally, the Cook & Share Rendez-Vous by la Filière France, organised in partnership with Synetam and the Confédération des Arts de la Table, was all about promoting conversation with round tables and talks.
“While caution might seem the logical approach, we have instead witnessed a strong determination among industry players to stay proactive and continue investing. A powerful and hopeful signal for the entire sector,” Delhomme adds.
With a strong focus on young talent, Future On Stage has become an annual event and will now be part of the September edition as it joins the Design District, Maison&Objet’s new creative energy hub.
The platform is a springboard dedicated to three companies who have been
Bordallo Pinheiro
Native Union
Amélie Pichard’s Welcome Home showcase
operating for less than three years for whom innovation is the driving force. They are ready to sell their products and have been selected by a jury of experts.
The three winning companies—Drobe (Oslo), Yüssée (Paris) and Hilo (Monaco)— showcased their innovations in a space entirely dedicated to the next generation.
Drobe was a standout with its suitcase that unfolds into a wardrobe. We travel more often these days but for shorter durations and space is limited or the stay is too brief to fully unpack. Drobe adapts to these new habits by offering a compartmentalised suitcase with a built-in hanging rail, allowing you to settle in anywhere.
Inspired by iconic industrial designs, its aesthetic is paired with a revolutionary
vertical sliding opening system. Far from standard hard-shell cases with retractable handles—although those basics are still there—Drobe eliminates latches and zippers, making it the only suitcase in the world that opens and closes with one hand using a single button, according to founder Milla Lack.
“On vacation in Portugal with two friends in a small apartment, we were surrounded by clothes scattered and half-unfolded on our suitcases,” she explains.
“I thought, why should I have to adapt to my suitcase? Something had to be done. I studied luggage from the past hundred years, starting with the iconic steamer trunks designed to carry many personal belongings for long trips, without
particular constraints at the time. With trains and planes, size and weight restrictions simplified luggage to the point of forgetting the original idea: to carry your wardrobe.”
Complementing its flagship programs such as the Rising Talent Awards, which honours young creators and Future
On Stage and highlights innovative companies, the Factory spaces, located throughout various sectors of the fair, showcased a curated selection of recently launched young brands.
This initiative fully embodies the uniqueness of this edition, which celebrates the creativity and energy of a new generation of inspired designers and offers these young brands and creative studios the opportunity to break into the international market.
Design District
Muskhane
Design District
Crowdfunding platform Ulule partnered with Maison&Objet to showcase a curated selection of around 20 young brands funded through crowdfunding. Two Factory by Ulule exhibition spaces were dedicated to these brands. The first, located in the Cook & Share sector, reinvented the Art of the Table and Gourmet lifestyle. The second explored new trends in the gift and childhood universe within the Gift & Play sector.
In Cook & Share (Hall 4), the young brand OSCO offered a range of non-alcoholic aperitifs made from grapes, playfully and colourfully crafted for cocktails. At Maison Primavera, Mathilde and Marine aim to enchant the home again with artisanal ceramics and textiles made in the Grand Est region.
Alizée and Clément founded Les Petits Architectes and invented a knife that allows children to safely slice food — a patented innovation developed in collaboration with occupational therapists and chefs.
In Gift & Play (Hall 7), Fabli is an interactive, educational reader for children aged 0 to 10, screen-free, designed to play music, stories and soothing sounds. Dr. Jonquille & Mr. Ail offered organic, reproducible seeds, themed gardening kits and many original, fun gardening products. Their free mobile app introduces users to responsible gardening. Loumio Paris is a brand designing swimsuits and matching clothing with UPF 50+ UV protection.
The City Hall of Paris invested in Maison&Objet to showcase emerging talents based in the capital. Located in Hall 7, at the crossroads of the Fashion & Accessories and Fragrance & Wellness sectors, the Factory by the City of Paris highlighted about 15 young Parisian brands from these two categories, some of whose creations have received the ‘Made in Paris’label.
Jewellery brand SŒUR & MER not only designs high-fashion and fine jewellery pieces near Place de la Madeleine, but also crafts its jewels in recycled solid gold and silver, drawing inspiration from natural architectures—especially oceans— with which it aims to create an unbreakable bond. Near the Bonne Nouvelle Metro station, Atelier Penso recycles dormant leather stocks from major luxury houses to create durable and repairable leather goods collections. Still working with leather, but sourced from agro-food industry leftovers, Possery is a new ready-to-wear brand ‘made in the 11th arrondissement’. The material, tamed by the workshop artisans, dresses timeless clothing and accessories meant to be passed down.
“The Made in Paris label carries a strong ambition: to relocate production at the heart of our city and restore a rightful place to craftsmanship in our neighbourhoods,” Nicolas Bonnet Oulaldj, deputy mayor in charge of commerce, crafts, liberal professions, artistic trades and fashion, explains.
Decor & Design - Maison Deux
Peau De Fleur
“It highlights creations designed and made in Paris, in workshops that sustain a local, sustainable and deeply human economy. By partnering with Maison&Objet, the city showcases the boldest and most rooted creations Paris produces: carefully crafted objects, skills passed on and jobs that cannot be outsourced.
“Supporting Made in Paris means defending a city that creates, a city that produces, a city where every neighbourhood can once again become a place of making and empowerment.”
With the spotlight on emerging brands, a new 24sqm space called Factory by Émergence featured young French brands specialising in tableware and kitchen accessories. Located at the heart of Hall 4 Cook & Share, its goal is to highlight the creativity and energy of emerging businesses while addressing market expectations.
“The repositioning of our sectors Decor & Design, Gift & Play, Fragrance & Wellness, Cook & Share and Fashion & Accessories, has clarified the reading of the offer and shone a spotlight on a new generation of brands. In the Design District, a new wave of young designers brought a breath of fresh air and boldness. And let’s not forget Craft-métiers d’art, which continues to celebrate and promote artisanal craftsmanship with strength and singularity,” says Delhomme.
Alongside Maison&Objet, Paris Design Week returned from 4 to 13 September 2025. With over 375 iconic locations, it offered a unique exploration through the city’s key creative districts: Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Opéra, Bastille and more. Galleries, concept stores, showrooms, artisan workshops and major design houses opened their doors to host exhibitions, installations and exclusive events.
“With Paris Design Week, the entire city of Paris resonated with design. Established brands opened their doors, multiplying unique experiences and reaffirming the capital’s role as a key stage for contemporary creation.”
In January 2026 (15-19) the focus of Maison&Objet will be on excellence, savoir-faire and French elegance.
Maho
Factory By Ulule
Patti Oslo
Hoogeland
Aussie vibes
Australia was well represented at Maison&Objet with brands such as Alperstein Designs, House of Nunu, Maho, Orbitkey and Made by Fressko showcasing their latest collections to an international audience.
For Maho’s Joshua Tong, Paris felt like the right place to be.
“We wanted to find new markets as we felt retail in Australia is really at a low point these past few years,” he explains.
“We also felt it was time for us to expand internationally and with the new US tariffs, Europe makes a lot more sense right now.
“The sheer size and scale of the show exceeded our expectations as it was much bigger than we even imagined. The calibre of brands and exhibitors were world-class.
Although the number of buyers we felt were underwhelming, the quality of buyers was very strong, many of whom we spoke to manage multi-store chains which is quite rare at the Australian shows.”
Marc Alperstein of Alperstein Designs says that exhibiting at Maison&Objet was less about sales and more about sharing the stories behind its products.
“We’ve admired Maison&Objet for a long time as one of the leading design fairs in the world,” he says.
“It felt like the right time to be part of that conversation and introduce Alperstein Designs to a broader audience. Our goal was to share the work we do in collaboration with Australian artists and see how it resonates internationally. It wasn’t just about selling products but about building
connections and understanding how our story fits within a global design context.
“We were really encouraged by the response. People were genuinely interested in the stories behind our collections and the way we work with artists. The feedback was very positive, with strong appreciation for the quality of the products and the authenticity of the collaborations. It was rewarding to see that our approach to thoughtful, story-driven design connects with audiences around the world.”
Taking part in an international fair like Maison&Objet was a valuable experience for the brand, Alperstein adds.
“Meeting others in the industry and hearing their perspectives was a real highlight, everyone was open and generous with their time. Paris itself was also inspiring; there’s such a strong appreciation for art, culture and design everywhere you look. We came away with new ideas and a clearer sense of how we can continue to grow and refine what we do.”
Orbitkey is no stranger to Paris and Maison&Objet as it has previously exhibited at the fair.
“Many visitors were already familiar with Orbitkey, which shows how our brand awareness has grown internationally,” notes Macarena Magan Molina.
House of Nunu
Orbitkey
Made by Fressko
“We decided to exhibit at Maison&Objet to strengthen our presence in the European market and connect with premium lifestyle and design retailers who align with our brand values. We wanted to showcase our latest collection, meet potential distributors and buyers, and build relationships with existing partners in person.”
Buyers, partners and even neighbouring exhibitors responded very positively to our products and brand story, she adds.
“We were particularly encouraged by the growing interest from key European retailers and distributors. It was also inspiring to connect with other design-driven brands and see how sustainability and functionality are shaping the future of lifestyle products.”
Made by Fressko made the decision to attend this year for the first time due to its sales growth across Europe over the previous 12 months.
“M&O has been a show we have wanted to attend for a while,” says Damien Zumbo.
“This was Fressko’s first European show, so everything was a highlight for us. The show was amazing and we met so many incredible buyers. We also loved catching up and supporting other Aussie brands at the show as we attend the same shows in Australia and always look out for each other and send buyers to each other’s stands.”
Zumbo adds they learned a lot this year about stand size, design, layouts, lighting and importantly stand positioning and will use those insights when planning for the 2026 show.
“We will plan further in advance for next year’s show to hopefully secure a bigger booth with a different layout to better showcase our product range.”
Having successfully expanded into the US market a few years back, House of Nunu was eager to continue building the momentum by establishing stronger connections in Europe.
“Maison&Objet provided the perfect environment to showcase our collections to a diverse audience of buyers, stylists and distributors and to understand how our aesthetic resonated within the European design landscape,” explains Nura Hatami.
“The show has always been an inspiring platform for design-driven brands and we felt it was the ideal opportunity to present House of Nunu to an international audience. Our main objectives were to connect with global retailers, strengthen relationships with existing stockists and gain insights into evolving design trends within the home and lifestyle sector.
“Visitors were drawn to the playfulness and colour of our collections. We received valuable feedback about our use of materials and design storytelling, which reaffirmed our focus on creating products that combine function with nostalgia and a playful twist.”
The fair also allowed the team to connect with a number of new stockists from Europe, Asia and the Middle East. It can be challenging to enter a new market, especially when based far away in Australia, however, the interest and
enthusiasm the brand received was encouraging for its first fair in Paris.
“It was wonderful seeing House of Nunu products resonate with an international audience—hearing their personal reactions and interpretations of our designs was incredibly rewarding. It was also inspiring to meet other creative brands and see the diversity of craftsmanship and innovation showcased at M&O.
“We attended alongside several other Australian brands, which created a strong sense of community. Experiencing Maison&Objet together for the first time made the event even more special and was great to collectively represent Australian design on the global stage.”
If you are interested in attending Maison&Objet as a visitor or exhibitor, here are some useful tips from our Aussie exhibitors.
• Preparation is key—invest time in understanding your target markets and how your brand will translate internationally. Logistics, pricing and storytelling all matter. Having strong imagery, clear branding and marketing materials in multiple languages also helps.
• Visit M&O as a visitor the year before you intend to exhibit to see the show and which hall best suits your brand.
• Be ready to follow up quickly after the event as momentum is everything.
• Embrace the opportunity—it’s not just about sales, but also about learning, building relationships and understanding your brand’s place in the global market.
• Take the time to prepare and be clear about what you want to achieve. Stay open to opportunities that come up along the way. Talk to other exhibitors, walk the halls and take it all in, there’s so much to learn just by being there.
• Ensure you give yourself plenty of time to ship your products to the show and plenty of time to bump in and build.
• Familiarise yourself with European pricing and VAT as these will affect the pricing you choose.
• Wear comfortable shoes as it’s very far to walk from A to B at any point in time at the show. G
Alperstein Designs
Ready To Discover Thousands of Products That Will Keep Your Customers Coming Back?
14 - 17 February . ICC Sydney, Level 1 & 4
Mark your calendars! Australia’s premium sourcing event returns to Darling Harbour, now across two levels at ICC Sydney.
Find new suppliers and discover thousands of unique products across Gift & Lifestyle, Home & Décor, Fashion & Accessories, Kids & Family, Beauty & Wellness and Garden & Outdoor Living – all in one convenient location!
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Registration includes access to boutique buying event Life Instyle - the ultimate destination for high end trade, co-located on Level 4, ICC Sydney.
Where the Indoors Meet the Outdoors
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Find unique products that connect indoor style with outdoor living. Source from inspiring suppliers, uncover new trends, and refresh your retail offering for the year ahead.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
muk mat was born because its founder Suzanne Horton lived the lifestyle and that authenticity continues to guide the brand and has been key to its success.
Since the Covid-pandemic, caravanning and camping have surged and the demand for domestic travel hasn’t faded, in fact, local trips have only gained in popularity.
The Caravan Industry Association of Australia recently released its 2025 Consumer Sentiment Report, revealing that 88 per cent of respondents plan to caravan or camp in the next year. The Australian travel accessory market is thriving, driven by a surge in domestic (and international) travel and with a growing emphasis on convenience, sustainability and technology, travellers are seeking accessories that enhance comfort, organisation and security.
Gold Coast based muk mat has tapped into this growing market and has released its latest collection, an extended range of caravan step mats, tailored to fit the steps of Australia’s most
popular caravan brands. This range will soon expand into the RV and motorhome markets overseas.
“muk mat is memorable—it’s not just another standard, blandlooking mat,” explains founder Suzanne Horton.
“It surprises people with how well it works and how good it looks. It’s that mix of practicality and unexpected effectiveness that keeps customers talking. It solves a universal problem and that’s why people not only buy it but can’t help telling their friends and family about it.”
Indeed, when Horton launched muk mat back in 2017, it was simply the solution to an unmet need.
“I grew up in the surf and have always loved the outdoors. Once we had two adventurous boys, our lives revolved around
muk mat
camping, surfing and being outside which also meant endless sand and dirt. After years of makeshift fixes, I created a DIY mat to keep the muck out. Every time I rolled it out, people would stop me to say what a great idea it was and ask where they could get one. That’s when I realised I wasn’t the only one looking for a solution, it seemed half of Australia was,” she says.
muk mat has grown from a tiny Gold Coast start-up into a brand stocked by more than 100 retailers across Australia and New Zealand including Anaconda. The range has evolved from one size and colour to 12 sizes and three colourways, shaped entirely by customer feedback.
“We’ve been lucky to be featured on the Today Show, Sunrise, What’s Up Downunder, SmartCompany, news. com.au and The Weekend Australian, milestones that have helped more people discover our brand,” Horton notes.
“We’ve received more than 1,000 Google reviews with a 4.9-star average, along with thousands of comments across Facebook, Instagram and group forums. Customers tell us muk mat has transformed their camping, caravanning and beach trips and that’s exactly why we started.
“Understanding your customer is everything. You need to know what they value day-to-day and then exceed their expectations every time they interact with your brand. Listening to feedback and
staying connected to your community keeps you grounded.”
Running a small business doesn’t come without its challenges, she adds, with the biggest ones trying to keep up with demand and managing supply as the brand grows.
“I would have secured a second manufacturing arm earlier to manage growth and mitigate supply risks. And, like many small businesses, we’ve had to deal with our fair share of copycats but staying focused on quality, innovation and our loyal community has kept muk mat ahead of the pack.”
The brand was built on community and as part of its commitment to meaningful and active participation in the community, the team has proudly supported various local community groups including White Ribbon Australia, Cystic Fibrosis Australia, Starlight Foundation Australia, Cancer Research, Junior AFL Clubs Qld, various caravanning and camping community groups around Australia.
“Currently our major support initiatives are the Australian Surf Life Saving
Foundation, donating $2 from every ground muk mat sold to help keep beaches safe and spread the message to swim between the flags.
“We also support Surfwitches, a Surfing Queensland registered boardriders club that empowers women in the surf through connection, confidence and fun.
“Additionally, our Ambassador program is all about real customers who live the outdoor lifestyle—families, surfers, dog owners and caravaners. They share how they use muk mat in their everyday adventures and give us honest feedback that helps shape new products,” she adds.
Following strong growth across Australia, muk mat is now expanding internationally. In Europe and North America, there’s the same passion for caravanning and camping and it’s an exciting opportunity to introduce overseas travellers to the muk mat experience Australians have loved for years, enthuses Horton.
“Our vision is to become a global brand that outdoor lovers trust to keep their spaces clean, wherever adventure takes them. We’re loved across Australia and are now focused on expanding internationally, inspiring more people to enjoy the outdoors in comfort.
“We’ve got an exciting product roadmap ahead, with fresh colourways and functional innovations guided by customer insights. We’re launching a new size muk mat specifically for cars—one our customers have been asking for. Our grey range continues to be a hit for home use and we’ll soon release a limited-edition crescent mat in response to growing demand. Once people try a muk mat, they tend to come back for one at every door.
“And when we’re not at our desks, you’ll find the muk mat team outside doing what we love because we truly believe time outdoors makes life better.” G
muk mat
muk mat
muk mat for pets
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One in four Aussie consumers says it’s OK to steal. Particularly younger people consider some form of retail theft to be justifiable.
Anew study has found that Australians are more accepting of theft as retail crime grows.
The Consumer Deviance Spotlight report by Monash Business School’s Australian Consumer and Retail Studies (ACRS) research unit found that across blatant forms of theft, more than one in four consumers believed retail theft was justifiable to some degree including taking an item without paying for it (27 per cent), changing price tags on products (30 per cent), not scanning some items when using self-checkout terminals (32 per cent) and scanning items as cheaper items when using self-checkout terminals (36 per cent).
However, there are big differences in how justifiable these deviant behaviours were viewed by different age groups. For example, taking an item without paying for it was not at all justifiable to 93 per cent of consumers aged 55 years and older, while seven per cent believed it was justifiable to some extent.
In contrast, 46 per cent of consumers aged 18-34 years of age considered taking an item and not paying for it to be not at all justifiable, while 54 per cent believed it was justifiable to some degree.
“What we are seeing is that a growing number of Australian shoppers, particularly younger people, consider some form of retail theft to be justifiable, whether that is taking an item without paying, changing price tags or deliberately misusing selfcheckouts,” lead author of the report and ACRS research and strategy director, Stephanie Atto, notes.
“These findings are concerning because while most people acknowledge such behaviours are illegal, there is a growing acceptance of them in practice.”
Apart from blatant theft, the research also found an increasing acceptance of other deviant behaviour in retail settings.
“Many Australians consider manipulating deals and promotions to be justifiable. Shoppers reported increased acceptance of lying about a child’s age to get a cheaper price, creating multiple email accounts to redeem a one-time offer and claiming a lower price at a competitor to secure a discount, with 47 to 64 per cent of Australians indicating these behaviours are justifiable to some extent,” Atto adds.
The report showed a similar trend in attitudes towards taking advantage of customer service. Consumers said it
27 per cent believe it is ok to take an item without paying for it
was justifiable to mislead shop assistants about unpriced items (34 per cent), write negative reviews for compensation (40 per cent) and stay silent when a bill was miscalculated in their favour (60 per cent).
For the first time, the researchers also examined shoppers’ perspectives on shopping centre safety and security.
“With media portrayals of heightened threats in recent years, we were interested in understanding Australian shoppers’ views on shopping centre safety and security and found that the majority of shoppers felt safe in shopping centres.
“Additionally, most recalled seeing security personnel during visits over the past three months.”
The report adds to recent ABS data showing 595,660 victims of theft nationally in 2024, the highest in 21 years and a six per cent increase on the previous year, with almost half of all incidents occurring in retail settings.
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) says the ABS Recorded Crime—Victims data confirms what retailers see every day: theft is rising to crisis levels, with retail stores a top target.
ARA CEO Chris Rodwell said the data paints an appalling picture of the state of retail crime across the country and the impact on innocent victims.
“These numbers reflect what retailers know too well,” he says.
“We are confronting a full-scale retail crime crisis. The fear and reality of retail crime is experienced daily. Thefts at retail locations rose from 32 per cent of all thefts in 2010 to 45 per cent in 2024, with the number of incidents at the highest recorded level in more than two decades. The number of incidents continues to surge.
In Victoria, the situation is particularly grim with a 29 per cent increase in theft in 2024.
“That’s why we’re calling for urgent and decisive action from our political leaders including premiers, police ministers and attorneys general to address this scourge of retail crime. We’ve seen the results when this action has been taken.”
Indeed, new Victorian crime data confirms retail crime is at crisis levels.
The Victoria Government’s Crime Statistics Agency’s (CSA) report for the
“Thefts at retail locations rose from 32 per cent of all thefts in 2010 to 45 per cent in 2024, with the number of incidents at the highest recorded level in more than two decades.”
year ending June 2025 showed recorded retail crime offences in Victoria rose 20 per cent from 82,748 to 99,114. This is the highest level of retail crime in a decade and makes retail the third-highest location for crime after private dwellings and streets/footpaths.
Thefts from retail stores increased 26 per cent or by 7,435 to 36,254, alleged offender incidents and criminal incidents were up 73 per cent since 2022—the highest recorded figures since CSA reporting began in 2015/2016. Assault and related offences in retail settings also climbed 21 per cent year-on-year.
Rodwell says the data confirms what retail teams see on a daily basis and renewed calls for urgent action from the Victorian government.
“Today’s figures are grim and confirm Victoria’s retail crime crisis is only getting worse. We’re seeing a criminal offence at least once every five minutes in a retail setting, an assault every couple of hours and cases of aggravated robbery and weapon related offences daily or more.
“While this reported data is alarming, the sad reality is it underestimates the true figure as so much retail crime still goes unreported. The toll this is having on our retail workers is unacceptable.
“Unfortunately, Victoria remains the only state without strict, proactive legislation on retail crime to protect retail workers and customers. Without tougher penalties and stronger police powers to apprehend offenders, incidents will continue to escalate,” he states.
That’s why the ARA and NRA are calling for immediate reforms: a dedicated police taskforce for Retail Crime, introducing enforceable workplace protection orders, implementing streamlined online reporting and legislating increased police search powers through initiatives like Jack’s Law. These proven measures are working elsewhere in Australia and must be adopted in Victoria to protect the state’s retail workforce.
“Retail crime is a top risk for retailers, whether it relates to safety of people, operational impacts or financial costs. The collective annual bill runs at more than $9 billion—an unacceptable burden for retailers and a cost which finds its way to the higher prices at the checkout.”
The surge in the past five years underlines the need for the federal government to step in and work with the states to ensure a unified and comprehensive approach to tackle retail crime. Communities across the nation deserve nothing less, he adds.
“In particular, we need to see workplace protection orders introduced as an urgent priority as they have been in the ACT. We also need to see tougher legislation in place in Victoria and other jurisdictions that are lagging behind best practice. The responsible adoption of technology solutions in retail settings
another part of the solution. Innovations such as body worn cameras and facial recognition technology have been highly effective in retail locations around the world.
“We need to act now. There are far too many innocent victims— team members and customers —across the county. The financial impact on businesses is also unsustainable and ultimately adds to the price at the checkout.”
Although retail trade and consumer confidence have steadily improved in 2025, researchers warn that rising retail crime threatens to offset these gains.
With the marked increase in retail crime, retailers and peak bodies have stepped up efforts to crack down on repeat offenders, called for consistent national crime laws and police responses and launched awareness campaigns to encourage Australians to be vigilant and report suspicious activity.
“Retail crime is a shared problem that requires a united approach, integrating technology, stronger communication and consistent legal frameworks across retailers, law enforcement and government bodies,” says Atto.
“While retail crime in Australia has escalated in recent years, these collective efforts represent important steps towards addressing the problem.” G
Younger people consider some form of retail theft to be justifiable
is
GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
Growth marks Manila FAME’s 73rd edition as the show broadens its product offering to the home, fashion and lifestyle industries.
Collections of nature-inspired and handcrafted designs for the home, fashion and lifestyle (HFL) sector were on display at Manila FAME 2025, which opened its doors on 16 October at the World Trade Centre Metro Manila in the Philippines.
The trade show is organised by the Centre for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
With Objects of Nature as the overarching theme, the exhibits at Manila FAME 2025 highlight the participating exporters’ nature-inspired designs made from locally sourced raw materials and produced using generationsold handcrafting techniques. The direction is in keeping with the rise of biophilic designs, signalling a growing consumer preference for natural, artisanal and less industrial-looking products.
Born from a shared passion for creating beautiful pieces and a love of good design and craftsmanship, Studio Moodism offers bespoke furniture pieces that are handcrafted by artisans and craftsmen of Pampanga—a province in the Philippines known for having the finest furniture makers and wood carvers in the industry.
While known for its indoor furniture, Manila FAME got the scoop on the company’s first outdoor collection, which made its debut at the show.
CEO and creative director Michael Villardo decided on making his first outdoor range as a way to challenge himself as he has always focused on indoor furniture.
“I tried to create the same kind of comfort from the indoor collection in the outdoor range,” he explains.
“I started with different densities of all-weather foam to make sure the furniture was just as comfortable as our other ranges. However, I also needed to make sure the other materials such as the fabric, aluminium framing and wood were suitable for outdoors.”
Feedback at the show was great enthuses Villardo as people seem to like the fact there is now an outdoor collection that follows the same design principles he uses for his other furniture pieces.
The new outdoor collection was inspired by the rosebud, he adds, which is in line with Manila FAME’s theme Objects of Nature.
“We tried to conceptualise and get inspiration from the show’s concept, so we chose the rosebud.”
While the Philippines is still Moodism’s main market, he’s interested in taking his collections overseas to countries such as Australia and this year he will be ‘testing the water’ as part of a Philippine trade mission.
“I’m part of the Philippine Pavilion that exhibits at different exhibitions including Index Dubai, Tokyo International Gift Show, Maison & Objet and Ambiente, so I’m very excited about that and I’m looking forward to seeing the response to our collections.”
Finali
Fifty One
Moodism
Design Commune presented two exhibits that have distinct takes on nature as a design inspiration. The first was ‘Elements of Nature’, with Tony Gonzales as the creative director and young designers Uzel Alconera, Jaime Brias and Jim Zarate-Torres as assistant curators. It featured home and seasonal decor made by 20 exhibitors that reinterpreted forms, textures and patterns found in natural elements.
Meanwhile, ‘Home at FAME’ was conceptualised under the creative direction and curation of Milo Naval and presented all-black furniture and lighting items from 10 participating manufacturers set against a white backdrop.
Global trend ambassador Patti Carpenter made her return to Manila FAME by leading this year’s Artisans Village, together with product development specialist Rachelle Dagñalan. In the months leading up to the trade show, the two design experts visited the factories of local manufacturers to help them conceptualise and develop new product designs that maximise the use of their signature materials.
Carpenter worked with 41 companies from across Bohol, Ilocos Sur and Quirino, while Dagñalan collaborated with four exporters based in Tarlac.
“If you look at what they make traditionally, there is still a tremendous amount of design and creativity that goes into everything,” Carpenter says.
“What I think they need more than anything is just some influence from the outside to understand colour and to understand colour combinations, to understand scale, to understand that instead of just one object you make a set of three.
“Those kind of components they don’t think of in the local market but if they do their products have such a chance, I think, for going into other marketplaces. That’s what we know about how retail is done and how we shop, so thinking that way and getting some training to learn that I think has been really important for them.
“We are still working on it but it has been tremendous so far because you can see in just these three booths the sheer amount of materials that are available,” she enthuses.
“The sheer amount of skill and craftmanship and many of these are generations old, so for me preserving that is really fundamental to all the work we’re doing. I think the idea of connecting that creativity from the past to the future and connecting the craft from the past to the future is really important.”
For Red Slab Pottery, which was launched in 2015, its connection to the past is shown through engravings based on tattoos of pre-Hispanic tribes.
“The wives used to engrave their husband’s tattoos on the pottery which was used for gift giving, for bartering,” designer and proprietor Eric Sanchez explains.
“That area up north has a river that goes to our town and the clay deposits up on the mountain come to our town via that river. That’s why we connected our clay source with their history and heritage.”
However, Sanchez’s pottery shows a modern take on the local pots, which were mainly used as cooking vessels.
“Unlike other Filipino items such as weaves that transform through the years
“Unlike other Filipino items such as weaves that transform through the years into new things like table runners and shoes, pottery has never progressed. So, I thought to revisit and recreate into a new form.”
ERIC SANCHEZ
Kenneth Cobonpue
into new things like table runners and shoes, pottery has never progressed. So, I thought to revisit and recreate into a new form.”
A husband and wife team launched Creative Definitions back in 2008 which started out as a trading company and in 2017 they made the shift into fabrics. But the real light bulb moment came when they participated at a trade fair in Hong Kong and one section at the show was all about sustainable materials and footwear.
“I said to my wife, do you see the potential here?” co-founder Michael Claparols says.
“I mean, one of the biggest strengths in the Philippines is our raw materials, we have a lot of fibres. We started collaborating with the Philippine Textile Research institute of the Department of Scientific Technology which is a government agency. They basically
provided us with the technology which had been there all along since the 1990s for blending pineapple and cotton into yarns. And the rest is history as they say.”
Creative Definitions’ sneakers are made of a blend of pineapple and cotton which are weaved into fabric by artisans. The rubber soles are also sustainable and sourced locally. The process from sourcing the materials to the actual final shoe takes about three to four months.
“Our shoes are made start to finish by about five communities including the cotton farmers, pineapple farmers, spinners, weavers and shoe assemblers. We also collaborate with designers and artists on the different kinds of sneakers.
“The three main things for us are we work with natural materials, we work with communities and artisans and our collaborations with different designers.”
Local brand Artifeks’ appeal is broad and
Red Slab Pottery
Nature’s Legacy
varied with retail, hotels as well as designers from the Maldives and Europe showing interest in its pieces at Manila FAME.
The company is only four years old and it has mostly focused on the local market, says CEO and creative director Clair Concepcion-Barberis.
“We have a very strong local market for residences, boutique hotels, holiday homes, restaurants—very kitsch and very niche,” she explains.
“However, there is a market that’s growing for unique and eclectic lamps such as boho lamps and tropical art deco lamps in Europe as well.”
There is a lot of work and detail that goes into creating the products says Concepcion-Barberis, who designs everything herself and then the artisans make them into products.
“There are challenges in creating beautiful pieces but I think we are very creative, which must come from many years of hardship, colonisation. A lot of influence comes from tourism, more accessible transportation so designers are able to travel a bit more. Technology is now within our reach so it’s just getting bigger and better.
“AI is a wonderful tool, makes things a bit more efficient, but you still have the original thought that belongs to the designer as he collaborates with the artisans and engineers to create the final product.”
Kenneth Cobonpue has a long-standing and strong relationship with Manila FAME, viewing it as a crucial platform for Filipino design and craftsmanship and a place to find new buyers and meet fellow manufacturers. He has participated in the show for many years, often debuting new pieces there alongside classic designs before the rest of the world gets to see them.
The show has been a significant venue for his career, which began in part by attending with his mother, an exhibitor herself
Creative Definitions
Province of Bohol
KCurated
Mele + Marie
Metro Iloilo
“By
harnessing their artistry and dedication, this year’s awardees carried out a valuable task on behalf of our design industry. These exceptional works helped establish the Philippines as an exporter with real capabilities and depth, ensuring our enterprises remain within reach of global opportunities. We hope their success inspires other enterprises to participate in future KATHA editions.”
CITEM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LEAH PULIDO OCAMPO
and he understands how difficult it can be for new talent to showcase their designs to a bigger audience and is committed to nurturing younger designers.
To support their future in the Philippines, Cobonpue believes it’s important to strengthen local manufacturing.
“Design is synonymous with manufacturing in our country, so we need to bring manufacturing back to the Philippines which includes realistic wages and the cost of labour,” he explains.
“Design education is also very important to keep the designers at home as many still venture overseas for better opportunities. However, the biggest problem in our country is the ageing workforce. The average age of our farmers and weavers is about 50 and their skills are part of a tradition passed on from one generation to the next.
“Today’s artisans have bigger dreams for their kids and don’t want them to work with their hands anymore. They want to send them to college so they can work in an office or go overseas.
Unfortunately we don’t really have schools to teach these skills, so we have to make it enticing (again) for the younger generation to work with their hands.”
The next Manila FAME is held from 15 to 17 October 2026. G
In praise of Filipino design excellence
Manila FAME’s opening day was also marked with the announcement of the KATHA Award 2025 winners, in recognition of the participating exhibitors’ innovation and exquisite designs. A platform that has been part of the trade show since its inception in 1983, it is a DTI-CITEM initiative to sharpen the Philippine export industry’s competitive edge.
And the winners were:
Best product design for furniture, lamps and lighting: Curio Hanging Lamps by Kenneth Cobonpue
Best product design for home/holiday décor, houseware, gifts and toys:
Celestina Rugs by Hacienda Crafts
Best product design for fashion: Necklace1 by Arnel Papa
Best booth design: Kenneth Cobonpue
Celestina Rugs by Hacienda Crafts also received the EcoDesign Award, while Overlapping Fish Scale by Timber earned the Component Innovation Award
KATHA Awards winners
TRAVEL NOTES
Travellers across the globe are approaching trips with a mix of passion and practicality.
Travellers across the globe are approaching trips with a mix of passion and practicality
Travellers are redefining souvenirs and curating tangible ways to remember their destinations long after they’ve returned, according to the latest American Express Global Travel Trends Report.
Indeed, the traditional souvenir or dutyfree shop isn’t cutting it anymore. Travellers are more intentional about what they bring back, especially when it comes to handmade or specialty local goods.
Eighty-two per cent of Millennials and Gen Z surveyed look for one-of-a-kind goods that will remind them of their trip, so they have a story to share with friends and family (compared to 68 per cent of Gen X and Baby Boomers) and 57 per cent of Millennials and Gen Z surveyed intentionally travel to a destination to find high-quality items that are handmade and authentic to the destination they are visiting.
They have specific purchases in mind, too: 58 per cent look for designer goods (handbags, clothing and leather goods), while 46 per cent is more interested in beauty products (high-end fragrances, skincare and makeup). Housewares and décor (rugs, furniture, hand painted tiles, ceramics, local art) are preferred by 43 per cent.
Travellers of all generations surveyed associate more mindful shopping with great trips: 73 per cent of global respondents say it is important for them to support local small businesses while visiting a new destination. To find those local small businesses to visit on their trip, 67 per cent of global respondents typically use local recommendations, guides or social media.
“Travellers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are motivated to book thoughtful, meaningful trips this year,” notes Audrey Hendley, president, American Express Travel.
“The report shows that people feel passionately about their vacations. We understand what travellers are looking for and as demand continues, we can use our expertise to create dream itineraries.”
The report states that travellers are relying on new technology to make their journey smoother and more personalised. They are making the most of travel-friendly
57 per cent of Millennials and Gen Z surveyed intentionally travel to a destination to find high-quality items that are handmade and authentic to the destination they are visiting.
Many travellers are likely to stack travel benefits from multiple loyalty programs to get upgrades
Travellers of all generations surveyed associate more mindful shopping with great trips
While AI is streamlining travel logistics, travellers are still chasing that classic experience: a coffee in a Parisian café, a Vespa ride in Rome, a train journey through the Swiss Alps or a road trip across America.
tech throughout the planning and booking process to provide a smooth journey from start to finish—from making reservations in advance to overcoming language barriers while travelling.
The younger generations are leading the embrace of Gen AI capabilities: 83 per cent of Millennials and Gen Z surveyed found at least one aspect of this new technology to be useful for booking, compared to 64 per cent of Gen X and Baby Boomers.
Eighty per cent of Millennials and Gen Z surveyed like the fast convenience of using travel planning apps or social media to help them plan their travel journey. Sixty-six per cent of Millennials and Gen Z surveyed typically download relevant travel apps before a trip (compared to 51 per cent of Gen X and Baby Boomers).
Thirty-nine per cent of Millennials and Gen Z surveyed typically search for the best deals on their smartphone or tablet but then use a desktop computer to book.
According to Millennials and Gen Z surveyed, the most useful travel aspects of Gen AI include activity recommendations (40 per cent), budgeting/expense management (36 per cent), translation assistance (33 per cent) and personalised trip recommendations (33 per cent).
Indeed, especially Millennials armed with smartphones are planning their trips with AI, asking ChatGPT for itinerary ideas, booking flights through travel apps and relying on Google Maps to navigate every step of the journey.
Relying on your smartphone as your travel advisor, tour guide, translator and map certainly lightens your load. Going digital also makes it easier to wing it, when you can look things up on the spot and change your plans on the fly.
It’s no surprise that seven per cent of Millennials are now using AI to plan their holidays, compared to just two per cent of Gen X.
But here’s the twist—while international jetsetters have embraced new technology, nostalgia travel is making a huge comeback, says Aidan Butler, co-founder of Australian international roaming provider and eSIM specialist Simify.
While AI is streamlining travel logistics, travellers are still chasing that classic experience: a coffee in a Parisian café, a Vespa ride in Rome, a train journey through the Swiss Alps or a road trip across America.
“What we’re seeing is this interesting mix of tech-driven planning, combined with a real craving for nostalgia,” Butler says. “It’s all about recreating those iconic travel moments.
“Gen X grew up seeing these places in movies and magazines, while Millennials grew up seeing them on Instagram. Now, people want to experience them for real, but with the ease of modern tech.
“The way we plan, book and experience travel has
Travellers of all generations will be packing their bags to holiday together
changed dramatically,” Butler adds. “At the end of the day, travel is about experiences whether you’re discovering a place for the first time or revisiting a childhood dream.”
Travellers are also becoming savvier by maximising credit card rewards and taking advantage of combining loyalty programs, benefits and points to get the most out of their spending.
Two-thirds (66 per cent) of global respondents say that combining credit card rewards with other loyalty perks provides ‘the best value for international trips’. Many travellers (58 per cent of global respondents) are likely to stack travel benefits from multiple loyalty programs to get upgrades they wouldn’t have splurged on otherwise.
The survey revealed a significant generation gap here: 61 per cent of Millennials and Gen Z surveyed use their credit card to maximise travel rewards, compared to 36 per cent of Gen X and Baby Boomers.
Sixty per cent of global respondents plan to book a trip around entertainment events or plan on taking at least one trip for a sporting event, reinforcing that traveling for experiences continues to be a driving force.
Travellers of all generations surveyed, from young kids to grandparents, will be packing their bags to be together.
Fifty-eight per cent of Millennials and Gen Z parents surveyed plan to bring their extended family on vacation, as opposed to 31 per cent of their Gen X and Baby Boomer counterparts.
Eighty-nine per cent of these Millennial and Gen Z-aged parents cited ‘quality time’ as the reason for bringing along extended family, which is more than those who said to ‘help with childcare’ (24 per cent).
The next generation also has a stronger voice than ever in planning family vacations: 68 per cent of Millennials and Gen Z parents surveyed say their children typically help inform aspects of trips (compared to 56 per cent of Gen X and Baby Boomer parents surveyed).
Eighty-one per cent of global respondents prefer destinations that are familycentric and have activities for all ages.
Travellers are motivated to book thoughtful, meaningful trips
Travellers are still chasing that classic experience such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris
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Understanding technology’s role in supporting retail contact centre staff.
According to a recent health of retail report, it’s clear retail contact centres are facing a mental health crisis that demands urgent attention.
The industry must confront the complex factors undermining contact centre staff wellbeing that underpin these issues. Understanding these challenges—and exploring how thoughtfully implemented technology might offer support—has never been more critical.
The mental health challenges facing retail contact centre staff stem from several interconnected factors that create a perfect storm of workplace stress. Research reveals a troubling landscape where agents navigate not just difficult customer interactions, but also systemic issues that compound their daily pressures.
Technostress represents one of the most pervasive yet under-recognised challenges. Agents are required to navigate multiple, fragmented technology platforms daily, constantly switching between systems whilst attempting to maintain seamless customer conversations.
This cognitive load accumulates throughout shifts, with studies showing that excessive technological demands can lead to overwhelming mental fatigue, blurred focus and reduced ability to recover between calls.
Perhaps most challenging of all is the reality of abusive customer interactions. Frontline staff increasingly find themselves on the receiving end of customer frustration, anger and sometimes outright abuse. These interactions leave lasting psychological impacts, yet many contact centres lack adequate real-time support mechanisms to identify when staff are struggling or to provide immediate intervention and recovery support.
Retail contact centres are facing a mental health crisis
Agents are required to navigate multiple, fragmented technology platforms daily, constantly switching between systems whilst attempting to maintain seamless customer conversations.
6 ways how modern AI tools could support mental health
When discussing technology’s potential role in supporting staff wellbeing, it’s crucial to approach the topic with appropriate nuance. No technology can single-handedly solve the mental health challenges facing retail contact centres, but thoughtfully implemented AI solutions—and thoughtfully implemented contact centre tech in general—might offer meaningful support in several key areas.
1. Reducing technostress through intelligent integration—modern AI technologies including but not limited to agentic AI systems, could potentially help reduce technostress by providing unified interfaces that consolidate multiple systems. Rather than forcing staff to remember different login credentials, navigation patterns and data entry formats across multiple platforms, AI could serve as an intelligent layer that anticipates
information needs and presents relevant data contextually.
Research suggests that when AI efficacy is perceived as high—meaning staff find the technology genuinely useful and reliable— it can enhance job engagement whilst reducing exhaustion levels. The key lies in designing systems that eliminate cognitive burden rather than adding to it, focusing on intuitive interactions that feel natural rather than forced.
2. Real-time support for difficult interactions—analytics technology presents interesting possibilities for detecting customer sentiment and potentially abusive behaviour in real-time. AI systems could monitor conversation patterns, tone analysis and escalation indicators to identify when staff are facing particularly challenging interactions. Such systems might automatically alert supervisors when aggressive customer behaviour is detected, ensuring that
support is available immediately rather than after a traumatic interaction has concluded. More sophisticated implementations could even suggest when staff might benefit from a brief break following difficult calls or flag cases where additional support or debriefing might be beneficial.
3. Simulation and preparation for challenging scenarios—AI simulations offer potential for better preparing staff to handle difficult customer interactions. Rather than learning to manage abuse and aggression through trial and error on live calls, they could practice with AI-simulated difficult customers in a safe environment. These training simulations could help build confidence and provide them with tested strategies for de-escalation and self-protection, potentially reducing the psychological impact when real challenging interactions occur.
Research indicates that AI-enabled support tools can accelerate productivity
Frontline retail staff are under pressure
by around 15 to 20 per cent while also enhancing the empathy of interactions. Generative AI assistants, for instance, enable faster resolutions and smoother customer handling, reducing requests for managerial escalation. In emotionally sensitive communication settings, human–AI collaboration has led to nearly 20 per cent greater empathy in responses. This suggests that proper preparation and support can enhance both performance and emotional resilience.
4. Intelligent call routing and protection mechanisms—advanced AI systems could serve as sophisticated gatekeepers, using historical data and real-time analysis to identify potentially problematic callers before they reach frontline staff. By analysing previous interaction patterns, complaint histories and early conversation indicators, AI could route high-risk calls to specially trained senior staff or implement protective protocols automatically.
Some implementations might even involve AI-powered virtual agents handling the initial stages of difficult interactions, allowing frustrated customers to vent their concerns to a non-human entity first, potentially reducing the emotional intensity by the time human agents become involved. This approach
The potential for AI to support staff wellbeing lies not in replacing human judgment or emotional intelligence, but in augmenting human capabilities whilst reducing unnecessary stressors.
recognises that protecting staff wellbeing sometimes requires strategic intervention in the interaction flow itself, rather than simply supporting agents through difficult encounters.
5. Proactive wellbeing monitoring and intervention—perhaps more controversially, AI systems could potentially monitor patterns in staff behaviour, speech patterns and interaction outcomes to identify early warning signs of stress, burnout or declining mental health. Such systems might detect subtle changes in an employee’s communication style, response times or vocal stress indicators that could signal the need for proactive support.
While privacy concerns would need careful consideration, the potential
benefits include identifying at-risk staff before crisis points are reached, automatically scheduling additional support resources or suggesting workload adjustments. The key would be ensuring such monitoring feels supportive rather than surveillance-oriented, with clear opt-in protocols and transparent communication about how data is used.
6. Post-incident recovery and documentation support—automated transcription and analysis systems could handle the documentation burden following traumatic calls, ensuring accurate records without requiring staff to repeatedly revisit distressing content. AI-powered debriefing tools might offer immediate post-call support, providing guided reflection prompts, suggesting appropriate resources or automatically connecting staff with peer support or counseling services when indicators suggest it would be beneficial.
Some systems could even analyse patterns across multiple difficult interactions to identify systematic issues that might be addressed through policy changes or additional training, helping prevent similar incidents from recurring. This approach acknowledges that recovery and learning from difficult interactions is as important as managing them in real-time.
The implementation reality: augmentation, not replacement
The potential for AI to support staff wellbeing lies not in replacing human judgment or emotional intelligence, but in augmenting human capabilities whilst reducing unnecessary stressors. Studies
The mental health challenges facing retail contact centre staff are complex and multifaceted
show that well-designed AI implementations can reduce timeto-resolution by 60 to 90 per cent for routine issues, freeing staff to focus on interactions that truly require human insight and emotional intelligence.
However, the success of such implementations depends entirely on prioritising their experience in system design. Technology that increases complexity, requires extensive retraining or makes staff feel surveilled rather than supported will inevitably compound rather than alleviate mental health challenges.
The most promising approaches involve AI that operates transparently, provides clear value to staff in their daily work and enhances rather than replaces the human elements that make customer service meaningful. When they feel that technology amplifies their ability to help customers rather than hindering it, the psychological benefits can be substantial.
Moving forward: technology as support, not solution
McKinsey analysis shows that when contact centre workflows are redesigned around agentic AI, organisations can enable AI agents to autonomously resolve frequent, routine inquiries— such as password resets or refund processing—without human intervention. However, the true measure of success should be the impact on staff wellbeing rather than purely operational metrics.
Technology should enable what researchers term ‘meaningful work’—interactions where staff can apply their full range of skills and emotional intelligence to create genuinely positive customer experiences.
The evidence suggests that when staff experience reduced cognitive load and increased job satisfaction through supportive technology, these benefits cascade through entire contact centre ecosystems. Teams report stronger collaborative relationships, reduced turnover intentions and improved workplace psychological safety.
However, these benefits only materialise when technology implementations prioritise human flourishing alongside operational efficiency. For retailers serious about addressing the wellbeing crisis in their contact centres, the focus must be on how technology can support rather than replace the human elements that define exceptional customer service.
The mental health challenges facing retail contact centre staff are complex and multifaceted. While technology alone cannot solve these issues, thoughtfully implemented AI solutions might offer valuable support if designed with genuine care for staff wellbeing rather than purely operational concerns. G
By Stuart Dorman, chief innovation officer at Sabio Group and Sabio’s Retail Trust ambassador.
Technology such as AI should be used as support, not solution
VALUE FOR MONEY
While many retailers have loyalty programs, few have actual loyalty, a study into loyalty program success reveals.
Australian retailers might be attracting record numbers of new loyalty members, but few are actually keeping them engaged, a new study has revealed.
A loyalty program study from research company Honeycomb Strategy shows that while Australians love a loyalty program, they expect retailers to deliver serious value—think discounts or exclusive experiences—to stay in their loyalty program line-up.
‘The Science of Loyalty—from Situationship to Relationship’ evaluated loyalty programs based on three key criteria: membership rates, consumer engagement and impact on consumer spending to identify the top performing programs.
Nearly a third of Australian consumers said they exclusively used the listed retail brands (see graph), based on their loyalty program offering. It shows that the Australian retailers delivering serious value—think discounts or exclusive experiences—along with a seamless shopping experience, are reaping the benefits at the register.
While retailers might be enjoying a loyalty club sign-up boom, many are struggling to keep Australians engaged. The new report revealed most Australians only actively use five loyalty programs at once, with customer attention at an all-time low. The research showed seven in 10 customers expect immediate benefits from their loyalty programs, while 63 per cent quickly lose interest if the program doesn’t give them something new or valuable.
Additionally, the research shows there is no correlation between the number or type of benefits offered and the success of the program; and the retail loyalty programs that do resonate with customers offer instant value, simplicity and real benefit.
Paid loyalty programs are also on the rise, commanding higher attention and shifting expectations by overdelivering on the value exchange. Insights show 72 per cent of Millennials and 65 per cent of Gen Z Aussies have now subscribed to a paid loyalty program.
“Paid loyalty programs have rapidly grown in popularity and are fundamentally shifting the market landscape,” study author and Honeycomb strategy founder, Renata Freund, says.
“They are now extremely effective in driving customer loyalty because they exceed expectations—they communicate an enormous overdelivery on the value exchange. Careful framing of the benefits makes the programs feel like money saved, rather than money spent—this creates both positive validation and stickiness.”
However, membership doesn’t equal engagement. Large proportions of members are disengaged and do not actively use the program they once became a member of. Consumers most commonly join loyalty programs to receive immediate benefits, but only a handful of these programs make it into active mental rotation. The rest fall into noise, unused and unremembered. Brands are not just competing on benefits; they are competing for attention and attention is scarce.
Loyalty programs aren't all just about collecting points
“For most retail brands, the challenge isn’t providing the right mix or more meaningful benefits, it’s delivering a loyalty program that addresses the other key areas that are commonly overlooked— frictionless engagement and triggers to engage,” Freund adds.
Indeed, reward expectations are high. Members have come to expect immediate ongoing rewards, admitting they are very quick to lose interest, the report points out. While most of the market focuses on driving motivation by curating and refining program benefits to boost membership, for many the real shortfall in sustaining engagement lies in ability and prompt.
“The reality is that a large portion of Australia’s loyalty programs are great at driving the initial signup with a motivating benefit, but very few are translating that
into ongoing engagement that ladders up to meaningful ROI. The retailers that are doing this well are seeing loyalty translate into tangible impact on spend, not just membership vanity rates.
“And for households managing rising costs, loyalty is no longer just about collecting points—it’s about programs that offer meaningful savings, convenience and experiences worth returning for.”
The loyalty programs that actually influence customer spend share one critical factor: they work with natural human tendencies, not against them.
“While many programs create friction by trying to interrupt basic behavioural patterns, the top performers are creating alignment with the universal truths of human behaviour to win. Members must genuinely value what they receive from the program
before they’ll fight to keep it. Without perceived value, there is no fear of loss.”
Loyalty programs succeed by creating a cognitive ‘member group’ that customers want to remain part of, where the psychological value of belonging often outweighs the purely economic benefits of the points or rewards. They also create separate mental categories that feel distinct from regular spending, making the benefits feel more valuable, motivating continued engagement, according to the report.
“Many paid programs are extremely effective at communicating an enormous overdelivery on the value exchange. Careful framing of the benefits makes the programs feel like money saved, rather than money spent. This creates both positive validation and stickiness.”
However, many brands are held back by complexity, rather than lack of benefits. To maximise success, the goal should be to first remove friction. Becoming part of a routine or habit is twice more important than a tailored experience. Removing friction and creating habitual behaviour should be the objective for brands.
“The more that brands are able to align with natural human truths, the greater their ability to deliver ROI through their loyalty programs. These benefit, however, are only effective if the basic requirements are being met including a motivating offer; the ability for members to engage without complexity and barriers and prompts to trigger them to do so.” G
CHRISTMAS OF GIVING
Aussies look for bargains to stretch their Christmas budgets.
Australians show stronger intentions to buy gifts than receive them, with those planning to stretch budgets adopting a value-driven and cautious mindset. On average, Australians expect to spend $491 on gifts ($23 more than 2024), according to Pureprofile Global Christmas Report 2025. The majority will spend between $301 and $1,000 on gifts and notably 15 per cent plan to spend over $1,000, a figure skewed towards those aged 45–54 (22 per cent).
While Australians have more to spend this year on Christmas gifts, they are still looking for bargains.
Eighteen per cent of Aussies focus gift-giving on kids
“Australians are heading into Christmas spending with a blend of practicality and cautious optimism,” Martin Filz, CEO of Pureprofile, explains.
Indeed, 78 per cent of Australians are adjusting their Christmas spending (up from 67 per cent last year), with 38 per cent intending to spend less on gifts overall (versus 41 per cent in 2024) and 18 per cent focusing gift-giving on children (similar to 20 per cent in 2024).
Over half (55 per cent) intend to take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales events, a growing trend in recent years (up from 45 per cent in 2024). For retailers looking to capture consumers, percentage off discounts are the most popular with Australians (48 per cent), followed by free shipping (15 per cent). Australians will also look for brick and mortar bargains as they increasingly prefer to shop in-store over online.
Gift cards and money remain the most desired gifts among Australians, though slightly less so than last year. Growing in
popularity are clothing and shoes (41 per cent), up from 33 per cent last year and up 24 per cent points among 18–24-year-olds. There’s a big rise in high value gifts such as technology (28 per cent), up from 22 per cent in 2024 and 17 per cent in 2023 and jewellery (26 per cent), up from 23 per cent in 2024 and 19 per cent in 2023.
Preference for skincare and beauty products (29 per cent) in particular are becoming trendier among 25-34-yearolds, up from 13 per cent in 2024.
Experiential gifts including holidays, concerts and spa days (26 per cent) are growing in popularity, up from 22 per cent in 2024 and 17 per cent in 2023.
This year, Australians are also expected to shift their methods of payment, with debit card use climbing to 56 per cent (up from 50 per cent last year), while credit card use has dropped to 40 per cent (down from 47 per cent last year).
“A shift from credit card to debit card use signals a strong intent to celebrate within tighter financial control and more creativity
“Seventy-eight per cent of Australians are adjusting their Christmas spending (up from 67 per cent last year), with 38 per cent intending to spend less on gifts overall (versus 41 per cent in 2024) and 18 per cent focusing gift-giving on children (similar to 20 per cent in 2024).”
Australians prefer to give gifts than to receive them
in utilising budgets underscores our resolve in keeping with traditions albeit challenging financial circumstances,” adds Filz.
Timing-wise, most shoppers intend to concentrate their Christmas purchases, with over a third (36 per cent) buying in November, one in five (21 per cent) in early December and another 20 per cent getting ahead in October, while only a small minority leave it to the very last minute.
More Australians will take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales for Christmas shopping—55 per cent intend do their Christmas shopping during Black Friday
Over half (55 per cent) intend to take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales events, a growing trend in recent years (up from 45 per cent in 2024).
and Cyber Monday, significantly higher among 25–34 year olds. Despite the appeal of shopping digitally during the busier retail seasons, in-store shopping remains the dominant channel for Christmas purchases, with 61 per cent of Australians preferring to shop in person compared to 38 per cent online.
In line with a value-driven mindset in budgeting this year, three in five Australians plan to spend under $500 on festive food and drink this festive season, while 21 per cent are opting for budgetfriendly food and drink options to save on cost (versus 27 per cent in 2024).
A third of Australians, up from 30 per cent last year, also hope to receive food, confectionery and drinks (including alcohol) as a gift this festive season.
Sleigh bells and suitcases
While half of all Australians plan to stay close to home this festive season, there is increasing interest for domestic travel.
Australians are breaking away from the ‘stay home’ routine, with travel —especially domestic—gaining momentum among the younger demographics. Still, the heart of Christmas remains firmly centred on family gatherings at home.
Nearly half (49 per cent) of Australians intend to travel this festive season, with 25 per cent planning to travel locally (within their region or state), 19 per cent domestically and 11 per cent overseas. Younger Australians show the strongest increase in interstate travel intentions, with 18-24-year-olds up 13 per cent points from last year.
There’s also a rise in people taking additional leave beyond standard workplace shutdowns, at 14 per cent this year compared to eight per cent in 2024.
There’s a clear and growing appetite for rest and extended holidays, with most workers saying they value the downtime. Only 10 per cent feel negatively about being required to take leave, while around one in six will be working straight through, reflecting the divide between office-based roles that shut down and essential or service-driven sectors that remain operational.
“This year’s Christmas report makes it clear that the cost-of-living crisis continues to shape how Australians celebrate the festive season,” says Peta Kernan, head of data and insights Pureprofile.
“Aussies are staying local, celebrating more affordably and cutting back on the cost of gifts and entertaining. But Christmas consumerism is far from dead, it’s just evolving. Shoppers are becoming more strategic, seeking value through practical and flexible gifts and timing their purchases around major online sales.
“Interestingly, while more than half plan to take advantage of these online events, the majority of Aussies still prefer the instore experience, a reminder that for many, the traditional retail experience remains a valued part of Christmas.”
I wish for a fit, frugal and festive year
Health, savings and family time top the new year’s resolution list, with over half of Australians (56 per cent) aiming to save more money next year, reflecting ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
At the same time, many are seeking balance by prioritising health
and fitness goals (42 per cent), travelling more (34 per cent), enhancing wellbeing (31 per cent) and spending time with family (30 per cent). This blend of prudence and fulfilment is mirrored in respondents’ spending plans. Travel (24 per cent), fashion (22 per cent), household items (21 per cent) and home improvements (19 per cent) all rank strongly, while fewer intend to commit to longerterm investments like education (seven per cent) or financial products (eight per cent).
Australians are keeping Christmas decorating relatively consistent, while younger shoppers show the most excitement for festive decorations. Reactions to Christmas shop decorations reveal demographic divides. Thirty-five per cent report feeling excited, with sentiment strongest among 25–34 year olds. In contrast, excitement declines sharply among 55–64 year olds, indicating a generational gap in festive enthusiasm.
“This research shows the importance of not just knowing the broad trends but actually talking to your customers to understand how they are feeling, what they intend to do and why,” notes
Anastasia Lloyd-Wallis, senior insights manager, The Iconic.
“Not all customers behave in the same way and prioritise the same things during the festive period. These insights show us how our different customer segments are preparing for the festive season and how we can provide a frictionless, personalised experience at this busy time of year.” G
While Australians have more to spend on gifts this year, they still look for bargains
