The International Sign Association [1]’s 2012 State of the Industry survey shows that the signage industry is continuing to rebound, with most participants reporting that they anticipate growth and plan to hire in the coming year.
[2]The survey polled more than 200 ISA International Sign Expo 2012 [3] attendees and covered all segments: sign supply manufacturers, distributors, sign shops, and end users.
“This provides valuable information of where our industry is, and most importantly, where it is going,” says Lori Anderson, ISA president and CEO. “While those surveyed have concerns about the economy, fuel prices, and technological changes, it’s clear that most feel extremely positive about the direction of their business in the coming year.”
Among the key findings of the report:
- 96% anticipate growth in the coming year;
- Nearly three-fourths of companies surveyed said they’d add staff in 2012. Approximately 47% said they’d hire in existing departments while 24% said they’d hire for new lines of business;
- When making the decision to purchase, 69% said high quality was the most important factor in their consideration. The relationship with the vendor (21%), low price (14%), and technical support (11%) were the other factors;
- 74% said that economic uncertainty is a worry and would impact their businesses in the coming year, while 70% believed technological changes would have an effect.
The International Sign Association is a 2,400-member trade association. Its members are manufacturers, suppliers, and users of on-premise signs and sign products from the 50 United States and 60 countries around the world.