U.S. promotional products sales reached a record $20.8 billion in 2015, continuing an upward trend that began in 2010, following a decline in 2009. PPAI’s 2015 Annual Estimate of Distributor Sales reports growth of 3.82 percent in 2015, up from 2014’s more modest 1.09 percent, and shows evidence of a widening gap between small and large distributors.

More than half (62 percent) of all distributor companies in 2015 reported better profits than the year before. Only 20 percent of all companies reported lower profits.

It was a particularly strong year for large distributors, those with annual revenues of $2.5 million or more. The year’s net positive result, according to the Association’s findings, are attributed solely to significant increases in revenue among large distributor companies. Small distributors’ revenues declined compared to 2014. Companies with sales less than $2.5 million reported a 6.63 percent decline from 2014. In comparison, among larger companies sales rose 14.05 percent.

The Association has released industry sales data since 1965 and maintains an extensive industry sales information library. Its annual distributor sales study reflects actual sales data reported by U.S. promotional consultant companies and is considered the most definitive and comprehensive of its kind in the industry. The Association has published a summary of PPAI’s 2015 Annual Distributor Sales Volume Survey, and the full report is available to Association members. Look for more highlights from the report, plus analysis, commentary and a 2016 forecast in PPB’s July issue.

All distributor member companies who submitted completed surveys were entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of three Apple watches, or a voucher valued at $350 toward a future purchase of promotional products. The winners are:

Apple Watch (valued at $350):

1. Rebecca M. Florreich, The Logo Express; Abita Springs, Louisiana

2. Stacey Cowell, Consolidus; Akron, Ohio

3. Kimmer Sue, Fractal Dreams; Modesto, California

$350 Voucher:

4. Patrick Mazza, MGroup Sales; Corona, California

5. Rick Davenport, USPromotions.net; Carmel, Indiana

6. Lori Sachs, Mad Specialties; West Bloomfield, Michigan

7. Teresa Beaudoin, Already Gear; Dallas, Texas