The most dramatic spike this year belonged to commercial print. Sales climbed to $301.4 million (2013: $220.5 million), enough to secure second place. Another group, Web solutions, also experienced a significant bump. Sales shot up to $94.7 million (2013: $24.8 million).
Promotional products continue to gain rapid ground as shown in the numbers on the print side. Therefore, it was a no-brainer to bring back the Top 50 Promotional Products Distributors chart (see page 32). Published in May 2014 in our sister publication Promo Marketing (PM), the list is based on 2013 revenue. According to PM interviews, technology is on everyone's mind. Insiders believe technology is going to drive most changes, so companies need to get on board fast. Those that made the big list are already creating new ways to increase functionality for clients or gain better access to overseas manufacturers.