Contrary to popular belief, the large-format printing industry is not only alive it’s thriving, offering lucrative opportunities for entrepreneurs. As one of the nation’s leading large-format printing businesses, SpeedPro continues to demonstrate the strength and longevity that the industry holds. But aspiring franchise owners don’t just want to know how the business is doing today—they need a solid understanding of where the industry is projected to go in the future.
The good news is that the wide-format printing sector is poised for even more growth in the years ahead, following a several-years-long trend of rising sales. Several major trends are driving revenue in the space, and evolving technologies are making it easier and faster for print service providers to do business. There’s never been a better time to take the leap into large-format printing with SpeedPro.
Large-Format Printing Continues to Grow
Traditional print marketing continues to hold strong in the face of evolving digital marketing techniques. Although businesses do use email, social media and digital experiences, they still rely on print products and signage to attract and engage customers.
Not only does print cut through the digital clutter—it’s also capable of creating immersive experiences throughout a buyer’s entire day. Large-format’s presence in the real world is a primary selling point for GREAT. BIG. GRAPHICS. from the SpeedPro product lineup. Banners, wall murals, vehicle wraps and other large signage deliver high impression volume for a reasonable cost.
This kind of advertising is called out-of-home (OOH) advertising—and it’s a huge market within the United States. In 2025, OOH ad spending is expected to reach $9.89 billion. Traditional, or print, OOH advertising makes up a sizeable portion of this ad spend, compared to digital OOH.
The printer device industry also indicates growth within the large-format sector. This market as a whole is being driven by sales in packaging, corporate branding, fleet vehicles, architecture and construction and interior design/décor. The global large-format printer industry (referring to the printer devices themselves) is expected to grow by 3.1% between 2024-2025 to $9.88 billion. By 2029, the global market is anticipated to reach $12.65 billion.
Growth in both advertising spend and large-format printing devices illustrate the continued demand for SpeedPro Studios. The SpeedPro franchise system, too, has experienced year-over-year revenue growth that has supported countless Studio owners’ businesses. In 2023, our franchise network surpassed $104 million in total revenue, while the average SpeedPro franchise generated $901,081 in gross sales.*
SpeedPro is determined to expand our franchise network because there’s so much opportunity to seize. Every day, SpeedPro franchisees deliver on the consistent demand for new graphics and signage across evolving industries. And just like print, we’re not going anywhere!
Opportunities and Trends in the Industry
Facts and figures only tell one part of the story when it comes to large-format print growth. Another part of the equation is understanding what’s influencing the industry in the years to come—and how business might change for print service providers. Several existing and emerging trends are helping to drive and evolve the large-format printing sector.
AI Technology
One such trend is the adoption and evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Countless industries, including printing, have already incorporated AI technologies into their equipment and workflows in years past. However, today’s AI is evolving at a rapid speed—and it presents a ton of opportunity for large-format print business owners.
AI-enhanced print technology can help on several fronts, including enhancing printing efficiency. AI can also enhance speed across all parts of the sales and production workflow—a necessary accommodation to consumer demand for faster turnarounds.
Generative AI can also be a game-changer when it comes to ideation and design. Print businesses can leverage AI tools to brainstorm project ideas, create sales presentations, generate design mock-ups and so much more. All of these things have the capability to make print production faster, cheaper and easier—resulting in a more efficient business.
Sustainability and More Substrates
Sustainability is a trend that’s picked up steam in recent years. More and more, consumers expect their vendors and partners to “green” their production processes and deliver more sustainable products.
In the printing industry, changes to both inks and substrates have accommodated this shift. Low-VOC ink, low-waste production and biodegradable or recyclable substrates are now commonplace for large-format print Studios.
Alongside sustainability is printer technology evolution. New equipment has facilitated the shift to green printing, allowing for a broader application of inks and materials. Textile printing has become much more popular, allowing customers to purchase custom-printed fabrics. Now, almost any surface can accommodate large-format printing, meaning there are wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling opportunities with each new project!
Seize Growth Opportunities with SpeedPro
Large-format printing is a strong and growing industry, and new trends are pushing it forward each day. There’s never been a better time to launch your very own Studio and take advantage of the opportunities in the market!
At SpeedPro, we give driven entrepreneurs the opportunity to build their own business using our proven large-format printing business model. With franchisor training, constant innovation and a network of support behind you, you’ll have all the tools you need to succeed. Learn more and get started today!
* All figures reflect 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)