Brighter outlook for writing instruments and art supplies.

 

US office supplies industry revenue is expected to decline one per cent year in 2023 but remain seven per cent above pre-pandemic (2019) sales levels.

 

Research firm NPD’s latest Future of Office Supplies forecast reveals industry revenue (excluding storage categories as well as janitorial and breakroom supplies) will remain above 2019 totals through the end of the forecast period in 2025.  

 

Following the seven per cent increase in industry average sales prices (ASP) seen in 2022, ASPs will begin to decline next year, contributing to the slight dip in the forecasted revenue. 

 

Unit sales, however, are expected to remain flat in the year ahead, an improvement from declines in 2022. 

 

Anticipated areas of unit sales growth in 2023 are writing instruments, colouring and art, and presentation and reference.  

 

“Continued innovation will be key to uncovering opportunity for players in the office supplies industry. Evolution related to product features, creative product use-case methods, or category revitalization through new designs or target market segments will help drive category growth,” Tia Frapolli, president of NPD’s office supplies practice, said.

 

 “While technology’s impact on office supplies is often mentioned, 75 per cent of consumers surveyed said they plan to purchase the same or more supplies despite the growing use of technology. This indicates unit sales for school supplies should remain relatively stable over time,” Frapolli said.