NetPlus Alliance distributor members maintained strong purchasing growth during the second quarter while becoming increasingly optimistic about their full-year 2026 sales prospects.

The Lockport, NY-based industrial and contractor supplies buying group said Sept. 3 that member purchases from NetPlus suppliers and wholesalers increased 20% in the second quarter compared with 2Q 2025. That matched the 20% year-over-year growth reported for the first quarter.

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NetPlus’ latest quarterly Industry Outlook survey, completed by 121 distributors in July, was based on members’ second-quarter results. The survey also explored members’ geographic expansion efforts and kitting and light assembly practices.

Through the first half of 2026, 69% of respondents said their sales increased by at least 3% year over year, including 47% that reported growth of 8% or more. Another 21% reported steady sales, while 10% said sales declined.

Members’ expectations for the full year strengthened from the previous NetPlus survey MDM covered in June. The latest survey found that 84% expect 2026 sales to increase by at least 3%, up from 77% in the prior report. Within that group, 45% expect growth of 8% or more, compared with 41% previously.

Another 13% expect sales to remain steady with 2025, while fewer than 4% anticipate a decline.

NetPlus said members are focused on expanding sales with existing customers while pursuing new business during the second half of the year. Several distributors cited data center projects as a source of growth, while other construction projects that had previously been delayed appear to be moving forward.

Members also continued to cite rising oil and gas prices and their impact on product and freight costs as a challenge.

“In a quickly evolving industry and economic landscape, NetPlus Alliance members continue to focus on the fundamentals of relationship building, accountability, and collaborative growth,” NetPlus President and CEO Jennifer Murphy said.

NetPlus represents more than 400 industrial and contractor supplies distributors and negotiates pricing, rebates and terms with more than 220 manufacturers.