Light Up the Night! — Sales of Lighting & Stage Effects Remain Stable Post-Pandemic

When we polled MI retailers on the state of the Lighting & Stage Effect market segment back in fall of 2021, things were still – understandably – massively impacted by pandemic-related closures of clubs, bars, and other venues. On a larger scale, postponed, cancelled, or shortened tours from major bands and theater groups contributed further to a downward trend in sales.

Back then, 70.4% of participating dealers reported that sales of lighting equipment was down for their businesses. In light of that (pun unintended, but it stays), that “only” 38.6% cite poor sales in this current poll is perhaps cause for celebration. With almost exactly half of folks who filled out this month’s survey (50.1%) experiencing sales of Lighting & Stage Effects that are similar to those of 2023 suggests both stability and that the drastic post-COVID “rebound effect” when it comes to this gear may have come and gone.

Beyond the above, many are observing that technological advances are driving changes at a rapid pace in the market – not surprising at all, given that this equipment is and always has been shaped by such innovation. As Jason Struble of Muncie, Indiana’s Sight & Sound Productions, Inc. says, “It’s been years since we put a par light on anything but a front truss. Back trusses have been movers for years. Pars are outdated. Movers made lasers kind of not so much in demand.”

When compared to last spring, sales of Lighting & Stage Effects at your store are…

Up: 11.3%

Down: 38.6%

Level: 50.1%

What brands of Lighting & Stage Effects are selling best for your store?

CHAUVET DJ/CHAUVET Professional: 88.5%

ADJ: 53.9%

Blizzard: 32.9%

Stagg: 12.1%

Elation: 17.5%

Eliminator Lighting: 11.4%

ColorKey:11.4%

JMAZ: 11.4%

Martin Professional: 22.8%

MBT: 3%

Aviolites: 3%

Claypaky: 1.9%

What specific types of these products are most popular with your customers?

Color Changers & Wash Lights: 24.7%

Par Cans: 20.2%

Intelligent Lighting: 30.4%

Fog, Bubble, & Snow Effects: 3.1%

Spotlights: 7.1%

Lasers & Strobes: 10.9%

Bundled Packages: 4.8%

Black & UV Lights: 3.3%

Have you been observing any trends regarding Lighting & Stage Effects – customer buying habits, in-demand features, materials, size, et cetera?

“My lighting and stage effects have been poor prior to the COVID shutdown.”

Daniel Yadesky

Yadco Music

North Versailles, Pennsylvania

“Lighting sales really took off for us last year as bands were gigging a lot more coming out of the pandemic. They have remained fairly strong to start the year. Technology advances have given buyers a lot more options to choose from. The past year has seen more of the first-time or novice DJ market. As more people feel comfortable having back yard parties in the post pandemic, people are adding more lighting to their DJ home use.”

David St. John

Music & Arts

Glendora, California

“Everything is movers and video walls now. We do lighting production and rental, as well. It’s been years since we put a par light on anything but a front truss. Back trusses have been movers for years. Pars are outdated. Movers made lasers kind of not so much in demand.”

Jason Struble

Sight & Sound Productions, Inc.

Muncie, Indiana

“People are asking for moving heads more often.”

William Carroll

Modern Music

Lisle, Illinois

“Customers prefer to buy online. Unless I’m willing to give it away.”

Dick Ward

Music Unlimited

Richland, Washington