LOCKPORT, NY – NetPlus Alliance distributors are reporting another year of growth after the close of the second quarter. Members remain focused on sales fundamentals while many upgrade their systems and processes.
The Industry Outlook, a quarterly report based on a survey of NetPlus members, tracks business results and trends in the industrial and contractor supply markets. The latest quarterly survey was completed by 121 distributors in July 2026, and the report was based on second-quarter results of this year. The survey pursued insights into members’ geographic expansion efforts as well as kitting and light assembly practices.
Member purchases from NetPlus suppliers and wholesalers were up 20% in the second quarter compared to the second quarter of 2025. This continued the 20% year-over-year growth realized in the first quarter. Based on the survey, 69% of members’ sales were up by 3% or more in the first half of the year, with 47% being up by 8% or more. A group of 21% reported steady sales figures for the first two quarters, while 10% of respondents said their sales were down.
Distributors are sharing an increasingly positive forecast for 2026. Of the 121 survey participants, 84% said they expect sales to be up 3% or more this year, a 7% increase from the previous survey. Of those, 45% expect to be up 8% or more. Another 13% anticipate 2026 sales figures will be steady with 2025 numbers. Just under 4% of participating members are looking toward a more challenging year, expecting sales to be down. Of those, only one member indicated they expect to be down by 8% or more.
In the second half of the year, many distributor members shared that they are expanding sales with existing customers while also finding new business opportunities to capitalize on. Data center projects are driving business for several members, and other construction efforts seem to be back on track after previously reported delays, from our distributors’ perspectives. One challenge noted multiple times in this survey was rising oil and gas prices and their effects on the cost of goods and freight.
“In a quickly evolving industry and economic landscape, NetPlus Alliance members continue to focus on the fundamentals of relationship building, accountability, and collaborative growth,” said Jennifer Murphy, President & CEO of NetPlus Alliance. “By working together toward one mutual success after another, our network demonstrates the value of true partnerships over transactional relationships in industrial and construction distribution.”
About NetPlus Alliance
NetPlus Alliance builds relationships and provides opportunities for the advancement of member companies for their long-term success in the supply chain. With more than 140 years of combined industrial distribution experience, NetPlus Alliance negotiates improved pricing, rebates, and terms with more than 220 manufacturers on behalf of 400 industrial and contractor supplies distributor members. NetPlus members drive market growth and profitability through stronger channel partnerships, financial incentives, progressive marketing, joint sales planning, training programs, and business best practices.
