The first ISA Sign Industry Quarterly Economic Report for 2016 shows all four sectors will experience periods of growth in 2016 and into 2017.
The ISA Sign Industry Quarterly Economic Report covers the first quarter of 2016 and forecasts into 2017. It assesses four segments—printing, digital signage, electric signage and wayfinding—and related economic factors. In general, it shows a relatively strong U.S. economy and a sluggish global outlook.
“While the overall sign and graphics industry is strong, it does appear that suppliers and manufacturers will enjoy some robust periods and endure other more typical quarters into 2017,” said Brandon Hensley, ISA’s chief operating officer and executive director of the National Association of Sign Supply Distributors (NASSD). “Manufacturers and suppliers can use the report to anticipate—and prepare for—those times while maximizing the stronger periods.”
The Economic Report, which was prepared in March, is sponsored by NASSD and compiled by IHS and Vandiver Associates. It analyzes each segment of the market upstream and downstream to allow users to stay current with evolving business conditions.
Highlights from the report:
- Suppliers to the static side of the industry should see continued growth improving later in the year. They also should see a pick up in 2017 in a growth pattern on par with the trajectory previously forecast.
- Suppliers to the electronic and digital sectors of the market will see continued growth in 2016, comparable to 2015. Conditions should improve significantly in 2017.
- Manufacturers for the electric sign market will see a strong 2016 for the end market with a slight cooling of growth expected for 2017.
- The end market for wayfinding should see the very favorable conditions that existed in 2015 continue into 2016; however it should return to a more normal growth pattern in 2017.
Key findings from the Q1 2016 ISA Sign Industry Quarterly Economic Report will be the topic of a free webinar May 5 from 2-3 p.m. Eastern time. Two economists will discuss the macroeconomic global economy, focusing on issues that could affect the sign industry supply chain, before delving into the specific microeconomic outlook shown in the report. Learn more at www.signs.org/webinars.
In addition, IHS’ Shane Norton will present free sessions on the report at the Lounge & Learn during ISA Sign Expo, April 20-23 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Learn more at www.signexpo.org.
The report is free for members of ISA, ISA Affiliated Association and NASSD. Non-members may purchase it for $1,000 per forecast. This research can be accessed at www.signs.org/quarterlyreport.
