13%
The percentage of the construction workforce made up by women – the highest percentage since 2009
(CBIZ)
Construction remains a perennial top industry for promotional products sales. Unlike sectors heavily dependent on discretionary marketing spend, construction demand is driven by operational necessity, including safety gear, workwear and essential onsite items that remain consistent regardless of economic cycles.
As of 2025, the U.S. construction industry encompasses roughly 4 million businesses and represents a $3.7 trillion market. The sector is projected to grow another 4.6% in 2026, fueled by infrastructure investment, data center expansion and continued growth in renewable energy projects. According to the Counselor State of the Industry Report, construction ranks as the third-largest industry, comprising 8% of all North American promo sales, which equates to $2.1 billion. That momentum comes with challenges. Contractors continue to navigate persistent labor shortages, rising material costs and an aging workforce. The National Center for Construction Education & Research notes 92% of construction firms report difficulty filling open positions due to a lack of qualified candidates.
For distributors, that translates into opportunity through construction promo products. Construction firms are investing more in employee engagement, safety compliance and recruitment initiatives. Branded safety programs, onboarding kits, training incentives and quality workwear can help companies attract talent while reinforcing brand standards across jobsites. The steady rise of women in construction roles also presents opportunities for inclusive apparel options.
Product Pick
This magnifying rain gauge (GP247RG) from HPG (asi/61966) is a uniquely functional promo for construction companies that do business with land developers and agriculture customers.
Product Pick
The Team 365 women’s performance shirt (TT11W) from S&S Activewear (asi/84358) can be added to any sales pitch to give female employees a viable option for their construction uniforms.
3 Distributor Tips
Stacee Gilmore, owner of Promotions Pronto (asi/526399) in Chesterfield, MO, attributes 50% of her company’s revenue to construction-related clients.
1 Leverage supplier insight. “Our supplier partners are invaluable because they have a big-picture view of what’s trending and functional nationwide,” says Gilmore. A supplier once suggested branded rain gauges for oil and agriculture clients – an idea that became a standout success, and one that Gilmore admits she wouldn’t have come up with on her own.
2 Address women’s apparel gaps. Over the past five years, the number of women working in construction has increased 21%, yet apparel options often lag demand. Promotions Pronto makes a point to present women’s cuts and sizing at every client meeting, helping companies better outfit a diversifying workforce.
3 Invest in premium brands for recognition. While everyday jobsite apparel may prioritize durability and cost control, name-brand items such as Carhartt, The North Face and TravisMathew resonate strongly for employee recognition and customer appreciation. Bonus points for setting up a company store and letting employees choose their own high-end branded items.