Printing industry shipments declined by -$342 million in April, when compared to April 2003. Shipments are down -2.9% for the first four months of the year. Alternatives such as new media, the Internet, event marketing and promotions have negatively affected industry volume. A free PDF copy of the table of contents and first chapter of Dr. Webbs Renewing the Print Industry" report is available.
Harrisville, RI (PRWEB) June 7, 2004 -- Dr. Joe Webb, leading printing industry commentator and forecaster commented on the April 2004 shipments data recently released by the U.S. Department of Commerce on June 3.
"New media alternatives, especially the B2B use of the Internet, have had a profound negative effect on the volume of print materials used. The decline in shipments of -$342 million compared to April of last year is disheartening. For the first quarter, shipments are down by -2.9% compared to 2003. It is clear that the industry is not participating in the economic upturn. The Internet, other new media, and a shift to event marketing and promotion alternatives, and most of all, the way people use print in combination with these media, have negatively affected the overall demand for commercial printing."
A chart of inflation-adjusted printing shipments can be downloaded at http://www.prweb.com/prfiles/2004/06/03/131251/ptg_shipments_060304.gif
Dr. Webb noted that print advertising in business publications and trade magazines are not rebounding as had been expected, and many catalog retailers have decreased their page counts and mailing frequencies, shifting promotion to direct mail with emphasis on building their e-commerce traffic. He also noted that some printers are doing well in this environment, as indicated by recent trade association surveys. There are printers who understand the new realities, and these survivors are distancing themselves from their competition."
He continued, "This is a transforming industry, with numerous opportunities for those with sharp management skills who are willing to abandon traditional ways of doing things. The true entrepreneurs in the industry are doing well. Good, innovative firms are growing, taking business away from weak competitors."
His report, Renewing the Print Industry: A Contrarian's Constructive Perspective," outlines the need to restructure the industry, reorient its business focus, and details six alternative strategies to do so. Shipments data underscore the need for a re-examination of the reasons why people use print, and why the industry needs to address these issues."
The report includes his discussion of the significant trends that have shaped the commercial printing industry and brought it to a key decision point about its future of our business.
Other topics include...
-- the evolving business environment factors that shape the demand for print, why the industry can't stimulate print demand (and why it shouldn't try)
– the four alternative strategies based on printers being in the communications business"
-- the communications logistics" business strategy
-- the commodity print strategy
-- the right role for print marketing
-- issues in sales management
-- how sales management policies undermine strategic change
-- how competitors shouldn't really matter in this environment
...and other crucial matters.
The report is available at Dr. Webb's e-store. The 89 page report is available as PDF download for $250, or in hardcopy for $275. Go to the e-store at http://store.yahoo.com/drjoe/reprin.html
The table of contents and first chapter can be downloaded at no charge at http://www.prweb.com/prfiles/2004/06/03/131251/renew_ind_toc&chap1.pdf
There is a special offer for an executive planning and resource guide covering more than 30 print markets, called Dr. Joes Almanac." To buy the almanac and the PDF version of Renewing the Print Industry" report at the special combination price: http://store.yahoo.com/drjoe/drjoalreprin.html
To buy the "Almanac" only: http://store.yahoo.com/drjoe/drjoesalmanac.html
More information about the almanac, and a free sample section, are available at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/3/prweb114684.htm
About Dr. Webb:
Industry commentator and forecaster Dr. Joe Webb is a 26+ year veteran of the graphic arts industry. He has served the industry as a consultant, executive, and the founder of the TrendWatch surveys. His academic background is a combination of business, computer technologies, and graphic arts. His doctoral work was completed at the NYU Center for Graphic Arts Management and Technology. Dr. Webb has worked with industry suppliers of all types, including capital equipment such as presses, software developers, computer and peripheral manufacturers and developers, national and multinational organizations, associations, and others. A frequent speaker at industry events, Dr. Webb's weekly column Fridays with Dr. Joe" appears at www.WhatTheyThink.com where it has become a must-read feature for the entire printing industry. (Photos of Dr. Webb for editorial purposes can be downloaded at www.drjoewebb.com/press )
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