Canadian Lighting Market 2026: Low Growth, High Stakes for Wholesalers
EFC is pleased to share some takeaway insights from the latest Canadian Lighting Market Pulse produced by our media partner Kerrwil Media Limited.
The latest Canadian Pulse of Lighting data shows a market that is inching forward, but only through hustle, taking-share, and a decisive “flight to value” not because demand is expanding on its own. For electrical wholesalers, this is both a warning and a roadmap for 2026. The Lighting Pulse report respondents represent 75% of the sales in lighting in Canada.
Modest growth, thin backlogs
Distributor respondents describe Q4 as a quarter split between modest growth and mild decline, producing only low single‑digit gains on a weighted basis.
Flight to value reshapes line cards
One of the clearest trends is the share shift from conglomerate brands toward mid‑tier and value‑oriented suppliers.
Optimism built on share‑taking, not a boom
Looking ahead, most distributors expect Q1 2026 lighting sales to land in a 5–9% “market expectations” band, even though their backlog data does not show a clear wave of new projects coming.
Interested in learning more? For a copy of the report please email John Kerr at johnkerr@kerrwil.com