Member Site

Access ESP

Careers

ASI’s Advantages Magazine Releases 2019 Regional Promo Products Sales Report

South leads the nation with promo sales of $9 billion; The West overtakes the East as second-largest promo region in the U.S.

TREVOSE, PA – April 18, 2019 – The annual Promotional Products State and Regional Sales Report released today by Advantages® magazine shows the promo industry enjoyed its strongest annual growth in five years, increasing by 4.9% for a total of $24.7 billion in 2018, with the South and West posting sizable gains, the East and Midwest ticking up and several states boasting notable sales increases.

“Everyone in the industry should be encouraged by the continued power of promotional products affirmed by Advantages’ regional sales report,” said Editor-in-Chief C.J. Mittica (@CJ_Advantages). “Our research shows that major economies in states like New York and Michigan are on the mend, while Texas and Florida have left extraordinary challenges behind after suffering through historic hurricanes. And while a looming trade war with China has everyone on edge, so far the threat of tariffs hasn’t impacted our industry.”

Advantages, published by the Advertising Specialty Institute®(ASI), is the leading B-to-B publication for distributor salespeople in the promotional products industry. The best-known corporations in the world, along with schools, healthcare companies, financial institutions and nonprofits, rely on promo products like branded T-shirts, mugs and caps to advertise their brand, thank employees and clients and promote their events.

The special issue also identifies the latest promo trends and markets, along with a Hot List of products to pitch end-buyers, like reversible umbrellas and tech accessories in the Midwest, where half the counties have gotten younger this decade, fueling Rust Belt optimism.

“Information is power, and distributors should use our data to help target new clients and uncover new products that can help them grow their business,” said Mittica. “Our stats can also help small businesses create a blueprint for future growth. If you’re in a region where promo sales are shrinking, it’s time to plan accordingly, diversify your client base and take proactive measures. If you’re in an area that’s growing, we help explain ways to take full advantage of every opportunity.”

Highlights from the report include:

  • A total of 39 states (and one district) increased sales growth from 2017, with Utah, Washington and Nevada leading the way.
  • The South and West made the most gains in 2018, with Texas ($3.2 billion), California ($2 billion) and Florida ($1.4 billion) posting top sales. The top 16 fastest-growing states come from these two regions.
  • After years of gaining ground, the West, with growth of 6.3%, overtook the East, which grew just 3.2%, as the second-largest promo region in the country, thanks to an attractive job market, ongoing tech boom, growing population and affordable living.
  • Promo sales in the East did grow by nearly a percentage point, but the region has stagnated, especially compared to other regions.
  • The Midwest is growing the slowest, but is showing signs of emerging from a tough business climate.