NetPlus Alliance, the industrial and contractor supply distributor marketing group that represents over 400 distributors who purchased over $600M through the group, recently shared their members’ 2026 outlook, in conjunction with a recap of their Q4.

And the membership, by and large, is looking for growth to continue in 2026.

NetPlus Delivers Growth in 2025, Forecasts Same in 2026

According to a recent NetPlus press release:

“After a generally successful 2025, the vast majority of NetPlus Alliance members are looking forward to increased sales in 2026 and implementing strategies to enhance profitability.

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 January 2026, and the report was based on fourth-quarter results of 2025. This survey included a series of questions designed to provide NetPlus members with benchmarking data related to gross margin, operating expenses, net profit before tax, inventory turnover, average collection period, and sales per employee.

Upper Single Digits for Q4, Almost Double Digits for 2025

Member purchases from NetPlus suppliers and wholesalers were up 8% in the fourth quarter and 9.4% for the year, exceeding $600 million in total. Members reported a generally positive end to 2025. One quarter of participants said that compared to the fourth quarter of the previous year, their sales were up 3-7%, while another 38% were up 8% or more. Another quarter of respondents reported sales figures being within 2% of the previous year. Just under 12% of responses were negative, indicating sales were down by 3% or more.

Positive 2026 Predicted

Distributors shared a very positive forecast for 2026. An overwhelming majority — 81% of participants — said they expect sales to be up 3% or more this year. Of those, 30% expect to be up 8% or more. Another 16% anticipate 2026 sales figures will be steady with 2025. Just under 2% of participating members are looking toward a more challenging year, expecting sales to be down by 3% or more. One distributor said they’ll potentially be down 8% or more.

Members Investing in Growth in 2026

To kick off the first quarter, NetPlus members shared steps they’re taking to improve their profitability this year. In addition to tried-and-true efforts — hiring more salespeople, building on existing business, adding customers, expanding into new categories and/or geographic areas, etc. — some members shared more creative strategies like incorporating thoughtful and robust college internship programs and increased digital self-service options for customers.

“NetPlus distributor members continue to demonstrate their commitment to strategic growth with our supplier partners year over year,” said Jennifer Murphy, President & CEO of NetPlus Alliance. “I’m looking forward to supporting our members as they reach the incredible heights they’re forecasting for 2026, now equipped with tools like our updated group benchmarking figures.”

If you are not in a marketing group and are attending the ISA conference next month, visit them at booth 1002. Aside from helping you improve your bottom line, the group offers an array of recommended service providers, offers networking opportunities, and provides training opportunities for its members … along with increased focused from their manufacturers.

Looking for more benchmarking information? Participate in our Q1 Pulse of Industrial Supply survey and receive the report for free (and you can also request our 2025 Q4 report) as well as a free copy of Channel Marketing Group’s The AI-Enabled Distributor.