NetPlus Alliance distributor members largely started 2026 with continued momentum and expect healthy growth in 2026, according to topline results from the buying group’s latest quarterly Industry Outlook survey.

The Lockport, NY-based industrial and contractor supplies buying group said June 30 that member purchases from NetPlus suppliers and wholesalers increased nearly 20% in the first quarter compared with 1Q 2025.

Mid-Size Distributors Must Seek ‘Intentional Growth’ Amid Market Consolidation, NetPlus CEO Says (Premium, October 2025)

The survey, completed in April, was based on members’ first-quarter results and included responses from 122 participants. It also explored value-added services, technological challenges and ERP solutions, NetPlus said.

Based on the survey, 65% of NetPlus members reported that their sales were up year over year by 3% or more in the first quarter. Within that group, 40% said their sales increased by 8% or more. Another 17% reported steady year-over-year sales, while 18% said their sales declined.

Members’ full-year outlook also improved. NetPlus said 77% of survey participants expect their 2026 sales to increase by 3% or more, including 41% who expect sales growth of 8% or more. That latter figure was up 11 percentage points from the group’s previous survey. Another 18% expect their 2026 sales to remain steady with 2025, while 4% expect sales to decline.

NetPlus said members pointed to new data center projects across the country as a source of sales opportunities, while some distributors cited weather-related slowdowns from a harsh winter in several regions. Members also noted rising oil and gas prices as a contributor to higher costs.

“The NetPlus community continues to make the most of the opportunities before them, collaborating strategically to open doors and grow together,” NetPlus Alliance President and CEO Jennifer Murphy said. “This is a resilient network; our members and partners consistently maintain a positive outlook, taking what others might see as roadblocks and turning them into lessons in innovation.”

NetPlus has more than 400 industrial and contractor supplies distributor members and negotiates improved pricing, rebates and terms with more than 220 manufacturers.