Sales will increase this year, according to 65% of wholesalers responding to Supply House Times' Wholesaler Confidence Study dated December 2002. Only 7% projected a sales decline.

For fiscal 2002, 47% reported increased sales vs. 30% who said sales declined. More wholesalers said they plan to add personnel this year vs. those who expect labor cutbacks.

The survey, mailed to 2,000 qualified direct-request subscribers of Supply House Times, had an 18% response rate. The 29-page study provides ranked response data on company demographics, sales quotation activity, inventory plans, supplier purchases, amount of business lost to home centers, and percentage of sales by product category.

Copies of the study can be purchased for $195. Call Lisa Frost at 248-244-1290 or e-mail frostl@bnp.com.