(Weymouth, MA) December 11, 2012...InfoTrends is pleased to announce the completion of a new multi-client study entitled, Next-generation Personalized Printed Products. Due to the popularity of products like photo books, photo calendars, and photo cards, the photo merchandise market has experienced strong growth over the past few years. This study examines the “next-generation” of printed products with a focus on developments in custom printed cards, stationery items including products like contact cards and journals, and photo-based home décor.

Today’s consumers are expressing their personalities through the products they buy on a daily basis. Printed products have capitalized on this trend, thanks to a rising installed base of digital printing presses that allow for short-run production of a wide range of products, as well as new creative tools and software that give consumers the ability to customize printed products with elements such as text, borders, graphics, and personal photos. “The overall market for personalized printed products in the U.S. is estimated to grow from around 113 million units in 2012 to nearly 158 million units by 2017, says David Haueter, Associate Director for InfoTrends’ Photo Merchandise Trends Service. “It should be remembered that many of the products in this category have been around for many years and reside in a relatively mature market. Personalization is breathing new life into many of these products, resulting in growth rather than flat or declining volume.”

The growth in the market for personalized printed products is driven largely by getting consumers to think of traditional products in new ways, which is encouraged not only by the ability to personalize products but also by the availability of new designs and new ways to create and order these products. InfoTrends recommends that in all product categories, vendors must continue to develop and promote mobile ordering, focus on marketing messaging, conveying quality of products, and targeting new demographics. Personalized printed products are an excellent option for photo merchandise vendors looking to expand their reach, as these products are less vulnerable to seasonality issues and are typically printed on the same equipment, allowing for greater production efficiency.

InfoTrends’ Next-generation Personalized Printed Products study provides valuable and relevant information that profiles buyers and non-buyers of personalized printed products, evaluates consumer interest levels and needs, examines workflow issues and the creative process, analyzes purchasing decisions, and also explores the use of electronic cards and do-it-yourself products. Market size estimates and forecasts are provided for the card, stationery, and photo home décor categories and key vendors are profiled.

As a supplement to the main report that focuses on the consumer market, InfoTrends has also conducted additional research on the opportunity for photo-based products in the small and medium business (SMB) market. This research was obtained through a web-based survey of 500 SMB marketers and/or decision makers across key vertical industries, and focuses on what applications are being printed and how, applications that are growing and declining, and print volumes that are being generated. This SMB research is available in PowerPoint format as an optional supplement to this report.

This study is available immediately for purchase. For more information, please visit our online store or contact Matt O’Keefe at 781 616 2115 or matt.okeefe@infotrends.com.

InfoTrends is the leading worldwide market research and strategic consulting firm for the imaging, document solutions, production print, and digital media industries. We provide insights and advice to help clients understand market trends, identify opportunities, and grow their business. Additional information about InfoTrends is available on the Web at www.infotrends.com.

For media inquiries contact Donna O'Malley at +1 781 616 2116 or donna.omalley@infotrends.com.