PRI Index Suggests Optimism For Sector Starting To Sag

June 21, 2012 by Dave Haynes

The Chicago-based Platt Retail Institute has released the Q2 2012 edition of the PRI-DSF North American Digital Signage Index, which pretty much mirrors the US economy – flat but hopeful.

The PRI-DSF North American Digital Signage Index covering Q1 2012 shows a downward trend, says PRI director Steven Platt, though participants continue to have a positive longer-term outlook for the industry. Some key findings include:

The Current DS Index decreased by 6.23 percent, from 119.86 in the fourth quarter of 2011 to 112.39 in the first quarter of 2012. Comparing the first quarter 2012 to the first quarter of 2011, the Current DS Index decreased by 3.12 percent.

The Near-Term DS Index was 129.69, a 15.39 percent increase in sentiment. Comparing the first quarter 2012 to the first quarter of 2011, the Near-Term DS Index decreased by 1.33 percent.

As the economy ratcheted down late in the first quarter of 2012, the Current DS Index similarly declined. The industry can generally be viewed as still growing, as the Current DS Index remains over 100.

The rate of growth did, however, slow significantly in the first quarter of 2012. As we expect a continuing weak economy during the second quarter (GDP in the range of 1.4 to 1.6), we anticipate that the industry will similarly experience another slowing in activity.