Excel Blades Partner Insights — Q1 2026 Market Trends & Forecast
Why Market Momentum Is Turning Positive — and How Smart Partners Are Positioning for a Strong Q1
As we close out the year, the early signals are clear: Q1 is no longer a slow season. Across Arts & Crafts, Hardware, and Industrial channels, retailers are experiencing a positive, accelerating trend cycle—one that rewards early stocking, refreshed assortments, and strategic product categories.
For Excel Blades partners, this shift represents a rare opportunity: getting ahead of strong, high-intent demand without increasing operational overhead or taking on unnecessary inventory risk.
Below, we break down the top Q1 trends shaping early 2026, why the market is entering a growth phase, and how aligning with Excel Blades now gives you a head start when customers begin buying again immediately after the holidays.
U.S. Economic Forecast 2026 | Arts, Crafts, Tools
Q1 Is Now a Growth Quarter — Not a Slow One
For years, retailers treated January through March as a recovery period. But consumer behavior has permanently shifted, turning Q1 into a de facto “Q5” growth cycle.
Key Market Signals Driving This Shift
- Post-holiday purchasing is up, especially in craft tools, DIY, and home improvement as customers kick off new-year projects (Capstone Logistics).
- Self-gifting has become a trend, with 57% of shoppers purchasing for themselves after Dec 26 (Think With Google).
- The arts & crafts tools market is expanding rapidly, projected to grow from $3.96B in 2025 to $6.39B by 2032 (Fortune BI).
- Industrial tools remain strong, expected to surpass $61B by 2029 (Market Research Future).
- Hand tools continue steady growth, trending toward $32B by 2030, with cutting tools consistently leading demand (Yahoo Finance).
What This Means for Retailers
Shoppers are not “waiting until spring” anymore. They’re buying tools earlier, starting projects sooner, and investing in products that support personal, professional, and home-based productivity. That makes proper assortment, availability, and timing your three biggest differentiators going into early 2026.
Category Trends Expected to Surge February–March 2026
Across every channel we track, Q1 demand is leaning positive. Here’s where we expect to see the strongest performance.
Arts & Crafts: A New-Year Creative Wave
Valentine’s Day crafting, resin art, school projects, and personal hobby “resets” all gain traction in early Q1.
High-velocity tools include:
- Precision knives
- Hobby sets
- Cutting mats
- Carving tools
- Sanding sticks
- Replacement blades
More makers are upgrading tools early in the year—especially with Excel Blades’ content-rich guidance such as our educational blogs on precision knife selection, hobby knives, and craft blades.
Hobby, Model, Maker & Miniatures
TikTok “AGF” trends, collectible models, resin mini builds, and model painting groups are driving a fresh surge. January and February are peak months for “new project starts,” with tools being purchased before materials.
Top-moving tools:
-
Razor pull saw blades
- Pin vises
- Scribing tools
- Gouges and carving sets
Excel Blades’ razor saws, pin vises, and micro tools consistently sell through early due to high online search volume and active maker communities.
Sign, Vinyl & Professional Crafting
The post-holiday rush for custom orders continues into Q1 as small businesses restock and launch new signage campaigns.
High-demand items:
- Swivel knives
- Vinyl cutters
- Weeding tools
- Precision tweezers
- Bulk replacement blades
These products are also commonly purchased in bundles, making them an easy Q1 margin booster.
Hardware & Home Improvement
Consumers start new-year repairs, organization projects, and renovations in early Q1.
Fast-moving tools:
- Utility knives
- Snap blades
- Scrapers
- Box cutters
- Saws
Excel Blades’ snap blade refills and utility knives consistently land in top Q1 reorder categories—driven by both pros and DIY users.
Industrial, Manufacturing & MRO
Industrial buyers remain stable heading into 2026, supported by reshoring trends, automation investments, and increased MRO budgets.
Most consistent demand:
- Industrial blades
- Safety knives
- Deburring tools
- Professional scrapers
- Precision cutting tools
These SKUs are reliable turnover products for distributors and industrial retailers seeking predictable Q1 revenue.
Why Partners Are Leaning into Bundles & Smart Assortments
Early 2025 showed a clear pattern: top SKUs sold out fast, especially in precision knives, replacement blades, and vinyl tools. To drive higher AOV and more repeat purchases, partners are increasingly using:
- Knife + replacement blade packs
- Hobby sets + cutting mats
- Utility knives + snap blade refills
- Vinyl starter kits
Bundling isn’t about upselling—it’s about making purchasing easier and improving customer satisfaction. Excel Blades provides assortment support and category insights to help partners identify which bundles perform best for their channel.
Why Market Optimism Matters — And How Excel Blades Helps You Capture It
Retailers entering 2026 have a unique advantage: demand is growing, but competition hasn’t caught up yet. Those who prepare early benefit from:
- Stronger sell-through
- Better inventory coverage
- Higher cart value
- First-position visibility on marketplaces
- Early customer loyalty before peak season
Excel Blades' approach is simple: Give our partners the right data, the right SKUs, and the right support—without pushing unnecessary inventory.
Our team helps partners:
- Build category-specific assortments
- Prioritize proven SKUs
- Update keywords and listings
- Improve merchandising & display
- Forecast demand for their vertical
This ensures your Q1 strategy is grounded in real data—not guesswork.
Looking Ahead: Why Now Is the Best Time to Partner
If Q1 is now a growth quarter, then December is the new “prep season.” Retailers that onboard in December or early January benefit from:
- Early access to high-velocity Q1 SKUs
- Inventory secured before peak restock periods
- Faster category setup
- Optimized listings before demand spikes
- A smoother supply chain planning cycle
You’re not just preparing for Q1—you’re preparing to outperform competitors who are waiting until February to make purchasing decisions. And because Excel Blades doesn’t rely on hard-sell tactics, you only stock what fits your channel and customer behavior.
Let’s Make Q1 Your Most Profitable “Start of the Year” Yet
Excel Blades is committed to supporting your early-year momentum—across retail, eCommerce, wholesale, industrial, or maker channels. If you want data-backed assortments, category recommendations, or Q1 forecasts tailored to your business, contact us at info@excelblades.com and our team will build your plan.
Start 2026 strong—onboard now to secure your best sellers, increase Q1 sell-through, and stay ahead of the trend cycle. Contact us today for special bulk pricing or custom solutions services.