Pencil Sales to Increase 4% Over Five Years

Admit it, you’ve wondered – does anyone over Scantron age still buy pencils? It’s okay, we’re not offended. It’s a fair question. I’m happy to report that the answer is yes!

According to the Wall Street Journal, pencil and pen sales are up and will continue to rise. The article states that “both the retail value and the number of units sold worldwide has increased significantly over the the past five years,” and market projections indicate that pencil sales will increase by 4% worldwide to $2.7 billion, and pen sales will increase by 4.9% to $8.5 billion this year.

Some companies are embracing new technology and incorporating it into their designs. Faber-Castell has come out with a pencil that replaces the eraser end with a rubber top that can be used as a stylus on smart phones and tablets. Bic has a pen with a stylus end as well. Staedtler took the pen/tablet crossover to the next level with a pen that uses ink and simultaneously converts handwritten notes into digital files in as many as 30 languages.

The pencil economy is alive and well, and you have the opportunity to participate! First, get inspired by our Pencil Artist of the Week, Bailey T! Next, check out Pencils.com’s Drawing Lessons series to master some drawing basics, or refine techniques you’ve already been practicing. While the weather is still nice, get together with some friends at an outdoor cafe and participate in The Big Draw before it ends on November 2.

Of course, you’ll need some supplies, and we humbly suggest you get them here at Pencils.com. You can order a whole bunch of pencils for you and your friends, customize some pencils to commemorate the awesome times you’re going to have writing and drawing, or go the fun and funky route with some jumbo pencils that will resist getting lost in your junk drawer, backpack, or purse. Whatever your taste, we have a pencil we just know you’ll love, so above all – HAVE FUN contributing to the booming pencil economy!