The U.S. writing instruments market as measured by consumer spending was $4.5 billion in 2002. The market includes pens, pencils, markers, highlighters, refills, and pen and pencil sets purchased for business, educational and personal use, as well as writing instruments sold to sub-segments of the market including the collector, specialty, and promotional niche markets.

Approximately two-thirds of writing instrument sales occur through the retail distribution channel.

 

Product Category	% of Market
Pens Markers Pencils Highlighters Refills Pen and Pencil Sets	50% 21% 20% 4% 4% 1%

 

Retail Distribution	% of Retail Market
Mass Merchandisers/ Discount Stores Superstores Drugstores Supermarkets/Grocery Stores Wholesale Clubs Specialty Stores	35% 28% 18% 8% 6% 5%

Market Growth Rate
The growth of the U.S. writing instrument market was approximately 3.7% over 2001. Projections for the year 2003 indicate an expected growth rate of approximately 5% over 2002. The projected market size for 2003 is $4.7

Information Courtesy of WIMA’s 2003 Flash Report, jointly sponsored by the School, Home & Office Products Association (SHOPA).