The Lowdown

Last year, print professionals continued to navigate the rocky path of an economic recession. Nevertheless, overall sales figures were up from 2008. Were manufacturers able to hold on to their modest success? The answer is not so simple.

Total annual sales figures for the top 100 manufacturers took a dip from last year's $3.15 billion, coming in at $2.71 billion for the last fiscal year completed. A lower participation rate offers one explanation for this. Compared to last year, fewer manufacturers were willing to disclose annual sales figures. Though they did not offer a reason for their lack of participation, it is fair to assume they were hesitant to reveal any recessionary shortcomings in sales.