US photo merchandise market to grow to US-$1.9 billion by 2015

Photo cards continue to dominate the US photo merchandise sector overall, accounting for nearly 40% of market value in 2012. Multiple packs of cards, both single sheet and folded are popular for christenings, weddings and seasonal events in the USA, with Shutterfly/Tiny Prints and Snapfish as the key resellers in this area, along with the retailers Walmart and Walgreens.

In terms of growth, the canvas prints (and other substrates) segment, leads the way and experienced over 60% growth in value in 2012.

The single image gift market in the USA reached US-$250 million in 2012, a growth of 20%, with further healthy growth expected throughout the forecast period. During 2012, iPhone and iPad covers were particularly popular products in this market segment.

The photo calendar market in the USA is anticipated to continue to grow, though calendars, by their very nature, remain a seasonal product with the majority of sales occurring between November and January.

Futuresource also expects photo poster sales to continue to grow during 2013, after experiencing a 13% increase on 2012. Many retailers are able to offer poster production in-store, which has resulted in an average price of less than US$10 in 2012, further bolstering this market.

Moving forward, Futuresource’s outlook for the US photo merchandise market is favourable, with positive but diminishing volume growth through to 2016 and the market value peaking in 2015.