InfoTrends recently released a landmark study on store brand imaging supplies. Store Brand Imaging Supplies 2006 provides extensive research on OEM, store, and aftermarket branded inkjet cartridges, laser printer cartridges, copier supplies and photo paper. The report provides essential data and analysis for printer and supplies manufacturers and resellers to support their product planning, marketing, and distribution initiatives.

Research for the study consisted of interviews with 1,318 consumers and 805 office supplies decision makers in the United States. 

Store Brands Gaining Popularity

The $28 billion inkjet and laser printer supplies market is a critical source of revenue and profits for equipment manufacturers and resellers. The leading office superstores and contract stationers have been expanding their product line and marketing of store brand products, threatening OEMs and traditional aftermarket suppliers. InfoTrends estimates that sales of store brand imaging supplies are growing at 40% annually and will account for approximately 10% of total industry sales by 2009.

Consumers and office managers have a high level of trust for many of the major retailer brands. The study suggests there is an opportunity for the consumer electronics, computer superstore, mass merchandisers, and contract stationers to increase their sales with a store-branded line of imaging supplies.

Another interesting finding from the survey is that color laser users are ready to try non-OEM laser cartridges. When non-OEM color laser supplies become generally available with qualities as similar to the OEMs as monochrome laser cartridges currently are, users will be willing to try them.