Results of an exclusive new Wholesaler Confidence Study by Supply House Times' market research department reveal that despite current world events, plumbing wholesaling is strong and growing.

The study, conducted after the Sept. 11th terrorist attack, contains crucial data on wholesaler inventories, staffing, branch expansion, contractor business, SKUs, and revenue generation.

Regarding business operations in the past 12 months, 51% of respondents said employment was kept about the same, while 30% said they added more employees. Of those who increased the number of employees, 65% said their workforce had been expanded by 10% or more. Sales remained the same for 24% and increased for 41%, while 35% reported decreased sales.

Here are some key findings from the study regarding wholesalers' projections for the next 12 months:

  • 22% plan to add more employees;

  • 26% plan to add more branches;

  • 27% plan to increase their inventory levels; and

  • 50% see sales increasing, 15% predict a decrease, and the other 35% project flat sales.

Wholesalers surveyed said they read Supply House Times and Wholesaler magazine. Supply House Times was named as the publication most useful in their work by 69% of study participants vs. 31% who said Wholesaler.

Asked in which magazine they would advertise if they were trying to reach wholesalers like themselves, 71% of those responding said Supply House Times vs. 29% who said Wholesaler.