Throughout 2010, SGIA queried the industry through a series of surveys designed to identify trends, facts and figures on financial outlook, equipment acquisition, markets served, product specialties and more. A comprehensive report of SGIA’s 2010 industry data can be found in the recently-released “SGIA Surveys & Statistics, Industry in Review: 2010 Annual Report.” This article summarizes some highlights found in more detail in the full report. You can order your copy of the report through SGIA’s online E-Store.
 
The graphics and sign industry continues to grow and diversify, with digital imaging and multi-technology shops making a strong majority (97.6%) of this industry segment. The graphics and sign community entered 2010 with a high level of optimism, with only 5.7 percent of businesses expecting negative growth for the year. Conversely, more than 55 percent of companies expected between 5 and 29 percent growth.
 
Technology Mix: Graphics & Sign
Exclusively Digital - 44.0%
Exclusively Screen – 1.4%
Multi-Technology, Primarily Digital – 25.1%
Multi-Technology, Primarily Screen – 16.0%
Multi-Technology, None Dominating – 12.5%
 
Products & Markets: Top Five
The graphics and sign industry has become increasingly competitive in the past few years. With some product areas facing commoditization, many graphics and sign companies have worked to diversify the market and product areas they serve, while at the same time offer more value-added services such as finishing technologies and fulfillment. The tables shown indicate the percentage of companies serving this segment’s top ten product and market areas.
 
Top Ten Products: Graphics & Sign
Banners – 80.4%
Point of Sale (POS)/POP – 72.2%
Window Displays – 71.1%
Decal/Label/Sticker – 69.6%
Indoor Wall Graphics – 64.4%
 
Top Five Markets: Graphics & Sign
Retail Stores – 75.7%
Corporate Branding – 71.5%
Ad Agencies – 67.8%
Nonprofits, Associations, Organizations – 67.2%
Food Services – 60.6%
 
Submitted by: Dan Marx, SGIA