Growth Trends in Wide-Format
The following article was originally published by Wide-format Impressions. To read more of their content, subscribe to their newsletter, Wide-Format Impressions.
Within its twice-yearly wide-format focused industry survey, NAPCO Research asks respondents to indicate the level of growth they see in 17 different wide-format product categories. Based on their responses, three different “views” are shown here: the product areas they see growing the most, the products they expect to grow by 6% or more, and the products they see as declining the most. The growth trends in wide-format featured here reflect respondents’ expectations for the three years following the survey.
Top Five Growth Products
Here are the five product areas respondents see as growing the most during the three-year projected period. The top spot, held by “banners/soft signage/flags,” may indicate the rising use of silicone-edge graphics (SEG).
- Banners/Soft Signage/Flags 71.7%
- Window Graphics 71.3%
- Wall/Agricultural/Building Graphics 64%
- Posters/Presentation Graphics 62.3%
- Labels/Decals/Tags 60.9%
Products with 6% or More Growth Expected
Below are the five product areas respondents see as having the most robust growth during the three-year projected period. Of note is “window graphics,” which holds the highest percentage. This product area has grown enormously in recent years, likely based on specialized window films.
- Window Graphics 31.1%
- Wall/Architectural/Building Graphics 29.8%
- Banners/Soft Signage/Flags 29.8%
- Retail Graphics/POP Displays 25.1%
- Fleet Graphics/Transit Graphics 25%
Products Seen as Declining the Most
This section shows the five product areas respondents see declining most during the three-year projected period. Of note is how small these percentages are. Most respondents perceive these areas as either stable or growing, just not as strongly.
- Floor Graphics 14.5%
- Fine Art/Reproduction/Photo 8.8%
- Trade Show/Museum Displays 6.9%
- Vehicle Graphics/Wall Graphics 5.3%
- Retail Graphics/POP Displays 5.2%
Data Source: Wide-Format Printing Report, Fall 2023, NAPCO Research
Dan Marx, Content Director for Wide-Format Impressions, holds extensive knowledge of the graphic communications industry, resulting from his more than three decades working closely with business owners, equipment and materials developers, and thought leaders.
