The Big Survey 2026: Explore the Sign World

The Big Survey 2026: The 5th annual Big Survey takes you on a fact- and fun-filled journey.

Published

6 days ago

March 8, 2026

Signs of the Times Staff Signs of the Times March 2026 Issue

The Basics

TRAVEL WITH US to where shops are, their settings, markets, background, products and total sales. Using ideas as our maps, we begin our trek.

1. In what state/country is your company (or headquarters) located?

EXPLORATORY COUNCIL. California’s a big state for Big Survey respondents (14), followed by Ohio and Texas (9 each). 42 US states, Canada and Puerto Rico are represented.

2. What is the total square footage of your office and shop combined?

Less than 1,000 sq. ft.
4%
1,000-1,999 sq. ft.
13%
2,000-2,999 sq. ft.
14%
3,000-3,999 sq. ft.
7%
4,000-4,999 sq. ft.
12%
5,000-7,499 sq. ft.
14%
7,500-9,999 sq. ft.
5%
10,000-20,000 sq. ft.
17%
More than 20,000 sq. ft.
12%
N/A
2%

SPACE: THE FINAL FRONTIER. The plurality of shops (10,000-20,000 sq. ft.) are closely split by setting with a couple more in business/industrial parks than in freestanding buildings.

3. Where is your company located by setting?

Office building
2%
Business/industrial park
45%
Strip mall/retail center
5%
Freestanding building
39%
Home office, shop or studio
7%
On the Internet
1%
Other (two buildings, residence)
5%

4. How would you describe the market where your company is located?

Big urban market
19%
Suburban outskirts of a big urban market
14%
Medium-sized city (250,000-1 million people)
25%
Small city (25,000 to 250,000)
26%
Country town (up to 25,000)
11%
Resort area
3%
Other (national, rural)
2%

MARKET CHANGES. Medium-sized and small cities combined for 41% in 2025, so they’re up 10% this year. Suburban outskirts of a big urban market dropped by a third compared to last year.

5. Realistically, would you rather live and work somewhere else?

WANDERLUST. No region of the US looks ready for a mass exodus, with 56% wanting to relocate from east of the Mississippi River. All from outside the 50 US states would rather stay put.

6. Which description of your business do you most closely identify with?

Full-service sign company (including electric and installation)
56%
Specialized sign company (non-electric or non-installation)
24%
Franchise sign company
4%
Large-format printer
2%
Independent vinyl or vehicle wrap shop
4%
Sign designer, design firm or design agency
2%
Wholesaler (sell to sign companies only)
1%
Sign installer
1%
Other (design firm, consultant, screenprinter)
6%

FULL TO THE BRIM. The full-service sign companies responding are located everywhere, in every setting and market, and of every size — including one in a shop of less than 1,000 sq. ft.

7. How long has the company you own/manage/work for been in business?

Less than 2 years
0%
2 to 5 years
5%
5+ to 10 years
4%
10+ to 25 years
32%
25+ to 50 years
38%
More than 50 years
21%

OLD AND NEW. 9 of the 14 California-based companies are more than 25 years old. 2 of the 7 companies in business fewer than 2 years are in Kansas.

8. Check products/services offered by your company:

ADA signs
74%
Architectural signage
83%
Banners
89%
Billboards
21%
Channel letters
75%
Digital imaging
54%
Electronic displays (EMCs)
54%
Electronic signs (cabinets, etc.)
61%
Foamboard signage
67%
Graphic design
83%
Installation
87%
LED signs
67%
Neon signs
42%
Non-electric changeable copy signs
66%
Sandblasting
29%
Screenprinting materials
14%
Vehicle graphics
79%
Wall/floor graphics
81%
Window graphics
91%
Other (see below)
11%

3D and 3D-printed signs, awnings, blueprints, casino theming, CNC-routed, carved, dimensional, directional, door hangers, embroidery, environmental branding, flyers, goldleaf, handpainting, monument signs, plasma-cut, posters, printed media and products, storefront refacing, traffic, transit (subway train car) graphics, wood signs.

9. What were your total sales in 2024? (If you’re Canadian, please convert to US dollars).

Under $100,000
4%
$100,000-$249,999
13%
$250,000-$999,999
34%
$1,000,000-$5,000,000
37%
25+ to 50 years
12%

CHA-CHING. Reports of sales under $100K are well down from last year’s 9% — and that’s good. Combined sales over $1M are up 6% vs. 2025 — also good.

Go to part 2 2026 Big Survey Sign Pro Demographics.

Signs of the Times Staff

Signs of the Times has been the world leader in sign information since 1906. Contact Signs of the Times' editors at [email protected].

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2026 Big Survey Sign Pro Demographics

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