Counselor® magazine’s comprehensive State of the Industry report found 2018 sales of promotional products continued record growth, with distributors targeting markets like construction, hospitality and technology
while continuing to diversify services. Overall, the total number and value of orders increased.
Distributor sales hit a record-setting $24.7 billion, with nearly 50% of distributors reporting improved sales compared to 2017. Among distributors that generated more than $1 million in 2018 sales, 70% of them reported growth – the highest percentage of any revenue class.
“The 2019 State of the Industry demonstrates that despite challenges like tariffs on Chinese imports – the biggest story of the year – the promo industry remains strong,” said Michele Bell, who manages ASI’s editorial department. “As suppliers and distributors confront uncertain global headwinds ahead, Counselor’s State of the Industry report provides exclusive data detailing trends, new products, emerging markets and prime opportunities throughout the industry.”
Counselor magazine, published by the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), is celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2019. Its signature issue, the State of the Industry (SOI) report, was first published in 1977 and is now available in print and online each summer. ASI’s comprehensive, in-depth research is considered the most important and influential in the promo industry.