PPAI Report Shows Distributor Sales Reached $18.5 Billion in 2012

Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) has released its annual sales volume study for 2012, reporting U.S. promotional products industry revenues of $18.5 billion, up from $17.7 billion in 2011, an increase of 4.38 percent. Last year saw increases in revenue for both large and small distributor companies. Larger companies with sales of $2.5 million or more experienced a 7.88 percent increase over 2011, while smaller companies saw an increase of 1.06 percent.

"Our industry's 2012 annual results reflect three consecutive years of solid growth culminating in industry revenues that now exceed pre-recession sales," said Paul Bellantone, CAE, president and chief executive officer of PPAI. "We are encouraged by the continued growth and our strong position in the advertising industry arena."

Promotional products maintain a firm foothold as a top advertising medium among traditional and digital media-ranking eighth in growth and revenue out of 14 competitive media. Media buyers, advertisers and marketers, now more than ever, look to promotional products to deliver the highest rate of reach, recall and return on investment in the advertising industry, as the most cost-effective way to impact a targeted audience in a tangible, long-lasting and memorable manner. In fact, eight in 10 consumers own between one and 10 promotional products, six in 10 keep them for up to two years, and 53 percent use them at least once a week or more often.

PPAI ANNUAL SALES VOLUME STUDY INSIGHTS
The annual Promotional Products Association International study provides industry stakeholders with reliable and accurate information about a variety of promotional products and their uses, and serves as a guide for distributors and suppliers to meet the needs of buyers.

The wearables category, including T-shirts, golf shirts, aprons, uniforms, blazers, caps, headbands, jackets, neckwear, footwear and other items continues to dominate the rankings with a 28.9 percent of sales, down slightly from 29.64 percent in 2011. Bags and writing instruments exchange the number two and three spots with 8.73 and 8.63 percent of sales, respectively.