What Buyers are Searching for – January 2026

Corporate sourcing doesn’t slow down at the start of the year—it shifts. As budgets reset and new initiatives launch, procurement teams actively search for suppliers who can support everything from day-to-day operations to strategic growth priorities.

Based on real buyer search activity in SupplierOne, here’s what we saw in December, what’s emerging in January, and what suppliers should prepare for as February demand accelerates.

What buyers searched for in December

December searches reflected a mix of operational needs and year-end execution, with buyers sourcing both products and services to close out the year strong.

Top search categories included:

• Uniforms — supporting workforce readiness across retail, healthcare, and field services
• Construction — finishing projects and planning early-year upgrades
• Food & beverage — corporate events, gifting, and employee engagement
• Marketing services — year-end campaigns and brand initiatives
• IT consulting — technology optimization and planning
• Transportation and logistics — moving goods efficiently during peak season

For suppliers in these categories, December represented steady buyer activity—even as many businesses assumed sourcing would slow.

What buyers are searching for in January

January sourcing is already underway, driven by new budgets, new projects, and renewed focus on technology and growth.

So far this month, buyers are actively searching for:

• Marketing services — campaign launches, digital strategy, and creative execution
• Computer hardware and software — new equipment and system upgrades
• Analytics and data services — reporting, insights, and performance tracking
• Catering — meetings, trainings, and corporate events restarting
• Recruiting and talent services — hiring support as teams expand

January is often when suppliers first get visibility with new buyers for the year—making it a critical moment to ensure your business is easy to find.

Why February demand matters even more

Looking back at last year, February search volume was significantly higher than December and January combined. That pattern suggests suppliers should prepare now.

In February last year, buyers searched heavily for:

• Ingredients and food supply partners
• Photography and videography
• Contingent labor and staffing
• Catering services
• Landscaping and snow removal
• Welding and construction
• Janitorial and facility services

These categories span manufacturing, professional services, facilities, and creative work—meaning February demand tends to impact a wide range of small suppliers.

How suppliers can prepare now

Every month, more than 2,000 active corporate buyers conduct over 25,000 searches on SupplierOne. These buyers range from Fortune 1000 organizations to companies of all sizes, actively looking for new suppliers.

To make sure you’re visible when February demand peaks:

• Register for SupplierOne so buyers can find you where they search
• Complete and update your profile to reflect your capabilities and services
• Consider upgrading to SupplierOne PLUS, where suppliers receive 3x more profile views from buyers and gain insight into how their business is being discovered

Visibility matters most before demand spikes—not after.

Final thoughts

Buyer search activity offers a clear signal of what’s coming next. As we move deeper into the year, suppliers who prepare early will be better positioned to connect with buyers when sourcing activity reaches its peak.

Whether your business supports marketing, IT, food services, facilities, staffing, or construction, the next few weeks represent a critical window to ensure you don’t miss out.

Be where buyers search. Stay visible. And get ready for February.