NetPlus Alliance distributors are heading into the final weeks of the year with guarded optimism. A majority expect to post year-over-year gains in 2025, even as tariffs, price volatility and uneven regional demand continue to weigh on parts of the industrial and contractor supply markets.
The group’s latest industry outlook report, based on surveys completed in October and reflecting third-quarter performances, shows member purchases from NetPlus suppliers and wholesalers, which went up 8.1% in the third quarter and 8.2% year-to-date.
Two-thirds of the distributors surveyed (63%) expect full-year sales to come ahead of 2024, and 30% anticipate growth of at least 8%. Another 22% expect to finish flat, while 15% project a decline. Only 4%—five respondents—reported that sales are on track to being significantly lower than last year.
Third-quarter comparisons underscore the same pattern of steady but uneven demand. When measured against the same period in 2024, 53% of respondents reported higher sales, including 31% who were up 8% or more and 22% who saw gains of 3% to 7%. Sales were flat for 29% of members, while 18% reported declines; only 4% cited a significant drop.
Respondents attributed growth to investments in sales staffing, new customer relationships, expanded supplier partnerships, broader product assortments, and exploration of new markets or territories. Several also pointed to a natural pickup in categories that had slowed earlier in the year. Distributors experiencing a softer 2025 cited tariff confusion, related price increases, stalled customer projects, and slower local economies.
In a statement, Jennifer Murphy, president and CEO of NetPlus Alliance, said members adapted quickly to shifting conditions. “This year offered challenges that our members turned into opportunities to gain experience, deepen relationships, and think strategically,” she said. “I am confident there is continued growth in store for our distributor members and supplier partners as we approach the new year.”
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