While the casual industry has had a rough couple of years, industry leaders told Casual News Now that they are optimistic for 2026 and see many opportunities ahead.
“2025 had many challenges,” said Eli Hymer, department manager, buyer and designer at Gasper’s Home & Garden in Richboro, Pennsylvania. “It started off early in the year with introduction of new tariffs. What made the tariffs even worse was the fact they were discussed on a daily or weekly basis, and percentages changed all the time. Therefore, it left our customer base very unsure and somewhat concerned about their finances.”
He says a year later, people are now used to the fact that almost everything they buy has increased in price.
“It’s no longer a shock, he said. “It’s just part of our new reality. Customers don’t like it, but they’ve become used to it or complacent about it. I do think the uncertainty of 2025 stopped a lot of consumers from buying our product. Hopefully by now they’ve become accustomed to it being there and will make the move.”
John Pinion, director of sales at Lloyd Flanders, shared similar sentiments.
“As we head into 2026, I see a genuine opportunity for our industry — even with business running a little slower,” he said. “In times like these, the market has a way of separating noise from substance. Consumers are still investing in their homes and outdoor spaces; they’re simply being more thoughtful about where their dollars go. That’s not a setback — that’s a chance to step forward.
He says the companies that tighten their operations, communicate honestly and deliver products that perform season after season will earn something far more valuable than a quick sale: trust.
“And in a selective market, trust is the ultimate competitive edge,” he said. “If we focus on value, reliability and doing what we say we’ll do, we won’t just survive a slow cycle — we’ll build momentum that lasts long after the market speeds back up. This is our moment to elevate, simplify and show customers why we deserve their confidence.”
Megan Pierson, executive vice president of business development at Polywood, said 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the casual industry, with momentum building across both residential and commercial outdoor spaces.
“Outdoor living continues to be a core part of how people experience home, hospitality and wellness, and that creates real opportunity for brands that are ready to meet higher expectations around performance, design and longevity,” she said. “We’re also seeing strong investment in hospitality and commercial outdoor environments. Properties are expanding their outdoor footprints and looking for furniture that supports daily use, changing guest needs and long-term durability. This focus creates room for thoughtful innovation and more intentional design conversations.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Pierson said it will be a year where collaboration becomes even more important. Designers, manufacturers and specifiers are engaging earlier in the process, and that creates space for fresh ideas and stronger partnerships across the industry.
“Overall, the casual category is entering a period of meaningful growth and renewed creativity,” she said.
Brad Schweig, owner of Sunnyland Outdoor Living in Texas, also believes there is opportunity for growth in the industry, as he has seen an increase in the company’s special-order numbers now that lead times and the supply chain are steady.
“We are actively promoting customer orders again and planning on running a custom-order promotion in January to encourage people to get what they want and have it ready in time for spring,” he said. “We continue to see customers gravitate towards more modern and clean-line furniture. I would like to see more of our domestic vendors use mixed media. Some of the legacy brands in the industry make a high-quality product that’s comfortable but doesn’t always hit the look that the customer is shopping for today.”
