How Are Distributors Faring in Q1?
Take the Pulse of Lighting Survey and receive that exclusive Q1 analysis in your inbox next month.
By David Gordon, Electrical Trends
For many we entered 2026 feeling as if we moved to the frozen tundra and, throughout the first couple of months the weather was “challenging” (and understatement) and a brake on the business. For others, the construction industry has been stressed due to the slowdown in the residential and new commercial construction market. This directly affects the success of the lighting market.
However, the lighting market remains one of the top three product categories for most distributors. The market’s size may approach $15 billion!
So, there are opportunities. Whether you are a distributor that “services” the business by simply quoting and “delivering” the business or are proactive and promoting utility rebates, identifying driver failures, recommending retrofits, selling, and commissioning controls packages and more. Success can be what you make it based upon your interest, and knowledge, in the category.
It is a price competitive segment due to its project-nature combined with an extensive supplier base. I recently spoke with Jeff Bristol from NEMRA who has identified over 500 suppliers, and he is not targeting those who sell direct / outside of lighting agents. Geoff Ling from Merrimack Group mentions 1,100 in the US!
Which is why it is time for our 2026 Q1 Pulse of Lighting survey.
As always, it is open to distributors, reps / agents, and manufacturers. It only takes 1 to 2 minutes to complete and all input is confidential via multiple choice questions.
Additionally, we have a couple of questions for distributors regarding AI — and we’re providing an opportunity to receive a free copy of our AI-Enabled Distributor eBook, otherwise available for $39.
For more information about the Pulse of Lighting survey, the free eBook available from Electrical Trends, and a link to answer the survey, click here
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