Even with difficult forecasting circumstances, NetPlus Alliance members remain primarily positive about what this year will bring. Distributors are patiently waiting out (the) tariff fluctuations to build effective strategies for growth in 2025.
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 in April 2025, and the report was based on first-quarter results of 2025. Tariff conversations have continued to change the economic landscape since these results were recorded. Future surveys may reveal a revised outlook for the year as policies continue to shift.
Member purchases from NetPlus suppliers and wholesalers were up 5.1% this quarter. Just over half of members surveyed, 54%, said their first quarter was up, year over year. Nearly one-third or 31% indicated their quarter was steady compared to Q1 2024, and the remaining 15% were down. Despite a fair amount of reported uncertainty hovering over the start of 2025, 69% of surveyed members remained optimistic that 2025 would be up 3% or more compared to 2024. Only 13% expected the year to be down by 3% or more. While that is still positive overall, it did show a dip from the previous survey, which had a slightly more confident forecast: 87% up and a mere 3% down year over year. Time will tell how that estimate continues to take shape as the year carries on.
“NetPlus is committed to being a trusted partner and catalyst for growth for our members," said Jennifer Murphy, President & CEO of NetPlus Alliance. “Administrations, policies, and economic conditions may shift, but we know that maintaining deep relationships, intentional strategy, and robust educational programs keep our community at the forefront of our industry.”
