We decided to analyse a major retailer's top 40 best-selling pens, pencils, and writing supplies in Australia to see what shopper preferences are now. Interestingly, they had no problem giving us the list or with our distributing it. We offer these insights to help you stock smarter and boost sales, as they give you a clear view of what customers really want now.
The Top Five Best-Sellers Right Now
Here's what topped the list:
- Bostik Blu Tack 75 g, blue/grey
- Sharpie Permanent Markers, Fine Point, Black, pack of 2
- Duramax Super Glue Tube Sticks 3 g, pack of 3
- Scotch Utility Purpose Masking Tape 24 mm x 55 m (2010)
- BIC 4 Colours Shine retractable ball pens, medium 1.0 mm, pack of 3
These items blend utility across categories, but we decided to go deeper into the top 40.
Everyday Basics Drive Repeat Sales
We found that shoppers today are prioritising practical tools such as ballpoint pens, gel pens, whiteboard markers, erasers, and correction tape. These everyday items make up most of the top 40.
Interestingly, traditional wooden pencils are hardly seen. People today are choosing convenience over the constant need to sharpen.
Trusted Brands Lead the Pack
A handful of brands rule the list: Sharpie, BIC, Faber-Castell, Staedtler, Zebra, Stabilo, Uni-ball, Prismacolor, Ohuhu, and Shuttle Art. People clearly are looking at brand names.
I suggest that you look at these brands.
Multipacks Boost Basket Value
Nearly every top seller comes as a multipack—2-packs, 3-packs, up to 150-colour sets.
Markers Outsell Traditional Pens
Markers take nearly half the list: permanent markers, highlighters, whiteboard pens, chalk markers, and art markers. Labelling, colouring, and highlighting rival plain writing.
Aussies create as much as they take notes. Visual tools win big as people write less and less. I know anything big, I am using a computer.
Diverse Needs: Work, School, and Art
Breaking the list down, it's clear that the best-selling items appeal to three main shopper groups.
- Office workers want BIC ballpoints, Uni-ball pens, and correction tape.
- Students grab Stabilo highlighters, Zebra Mildliners, and pencil cases.
- Artists choose Prismacolor sets, Ohuhu alcohol markers, and acrylic pens.
Smart Pricing: Impulse Meets Splurge
Most items cost under $15, and for the higher prices, we saw large art sets, not luxury singles. If you want to sell the luxury singles, you need the knowledge and the customers. It's not easy selling a $100 pen today.
Key Retail Strategies
These trends boil down to three truths:
- Practicality trumps flash.
- Brands build loyalty.
- Value packs lift profits.
Use your POS System to Stay Ahead
A Point of Sale (POS) system turns data into action. Only it can tell you what is selling in your shop and confirm what works.
Here's how:
- Daily reports show your top 10 movers.
- Inventory alerts reorder before stockouts.
- Customer trends reveal school season spikes.
Expand to 2026 Trends
Brands sell, and it looks like Art sets are rising now.
Give me a call if you want the full list of 40 items.
Written by:
Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience, now retired and seeking new opportunities. He consults with various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.
