Major Wholesalers in the United States

Wholesalers play a pivotal role in the supply chain, acting as intermediaries between manufacturers and retailers. In the United States, the wholesale market is vast, encompassing a wide range of industries and product categories. From food and electronics to textiles and industrial supplies, wholesalers distribute goods in bulk to ensure that retailers and businesses have access to the products they need. Below is an in-depth overview of some of the major wholesalers in the U.S., organized by key product categories.

Major Wholesalers in the United States

1. Food and Beverage Wholesalers

The food and beverage industry is one of the largest in the United States, requiring a robust network of wholesalers to meet the demands of grocery stores, restaurants, and food service companies.

US Foods

Overview

US Foods is one of the largest foodservice distributors in the United States, supplying food products and related services to restaurants, healthcare facilities, and other food service providers. They offer a wide variety of food items, ranging from fresh produce to frozen goods, as well as kitchen supplies and cleaning products.

Year Founded

1989

Major Product Categories

  • Fresh and frozen foods
  • Dairy products
  • Beverages
  • Kitchen supplies
  • Cleaning and sanitation products

Headquarters

Rosemont, Illinois

Sysco Corporation

Overview

Sysco Corporation is the leading food wholesaler in the United States, serving more than 600,000 customer locations. Known for its extensive product line and reliable delivery services, Sysco offers food products, kitchen equipment, and other essentials for restaurants, hotels, and healthcare institutions.

Year Founded

1969

Major Product Categories

  • Fresh and frozen foods
  • Meat and seafood
  • Produce
  • Kitchen and restaurant supplies
  • Non-food items (cleaning products, paper goods)

Headquarters

Houston, Texas

2. Clothing and Apparel Wholesalers

Clothing wholesalers supply a wide range of fashion items, including apparel, footwear, and accessories, to retailers across the country.

TSC Apparel

Overview

Listed on wholesaleah, TSC Apparel is a leading wholesale distributor of blank apparel and accessories. They supply clothing for screen printing, embroidery, and promotional companies, providing a wide selection of T-shirts, outerwear, headwear, and other customizable items.

Year Founded

1976

Major Product Categories

  • Blank T-shirts
  • Hoodies and sweatshirts
  • Outerwear
  • Hats and caps
  • Bags and accessories

Headquarters

Cincinnati, Ohio

S&S Activewear

Overview

S&S Activewear is a prominent wholesaler of imprintable apparel, including brands such as Adidas, Champion, and Bella+Canvas. They offer a vast array of blank apparel for customization, catering to businesses involved in promotional merchandise, school uniforms, and sportswear.

Year Founded

1988

Major Product Categories

  • Activewear
  • Outerwear
  • Headwear
  • Corporate apparel
  • Accessories

Headquarters

Bolingbrook, Illinois

3. Consumer Electronics Wholesalers

The electronics sector relies on wholesalers to distribute a wide range of gadgets, devices, and accessories to retail stores and e-commerce platforms.

Ingram Micro

Overview

Ingram Micro is one of the world’s largest technology wholesalers, providing a comprehensive array of IT products and services. The company distributes everything from consumer electronics to enterprise-grade technology solutions, catering to tech retailers, resellers, and service providers.

Year Founded

1979

Major Product Categories

  • Consumer electronics (smartphones, tablets)
  • IT hardware (servers, storage solutions)
  • Networking equipment
  • Software and cloud solutions
  • Accessories and peripherals

Headquarters

Irvine, California

Tech Data

Overview

Tech Data is a global leader in the distribution of IT products and solutions. They supply hardware, software, and services to retailers, value-added resellers, and system integrators. Tech Data focuses on offering end-to-end technology solutions, particularly in the business and enterprise sectors.

Year Founded

1974

Major Product Categories

  • Computer hardware (laptops, desktops, servers)
  • Consumer electronics
  • Networking solutions
  • Software and cloud services
  • Storage and data management

Headquarters

Clearwater, Florida

4. Health and Pharmaceutical Wholesalers

The healthcare and pharmaceutical industry depends on wholesalers for the efficient distribution of medicines, medical supplies, and healthcare products.

McKesson Corporation

Overview

McKesson Corporation is one of the largest pharmaceutical wholesalers in the United States, serving pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare providers. They specialize in the distribution of pharmaceutical drugs, medical supplies, and healthcare services, helping to streamline the supply chain in the medical sector.

Year Founded

1833

Major Product Categories

  • Pharmaceutical drugs
  • Medical supplies
  • Health and wellness products
  • Healthcare services and software
  • Specialty care solutions

Headquarters

Irving, Texas

AmerisourceBergen

Overview

AmerisourceBergen is a major pharmaceutical wholesaler, distributing a wide range of medical products, including prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications. Their services extend to healthcare providers, retail pharmacies, and manufacturers, ensuring efficient and reliable distribution of healthcare products.

Year Founded

2001

Major Product Categories

  • Prescription drugs
  • Generic medications
  • Specialty pharmaceuticals
  • Medical supplies
  • Healthcare services

Headquarters

Conshohocken, Pennsylvania

5. Industrial Supplies and Equipment Wholesalers

Industrial wholesalers provide the tools, machinery, and raw materials necessary for manufacturing, construction, and other industrial applications.

Grainger

Overview

Grainger is a leading wholesaler of industrial supplies and equipment, catering to businesses in manufacturing, construction, and maintenance industries. With a vast catalog of products, Grainger supplies everything from tools and lighting solutions to safety equipment and facility maintenance items.

Year Founded

1927

Major Product Categories

  • Tools and machinery
  • Safety equipment
  • HVAC supplies
  • Electrical and lighting products
  • Maintenance and repair items

Headquarters

Lake Forest, Illinois

Fastenal

Overview

Fastenal is a major distributor of industrial and construction supplies, with a focus on fasteners, tools, and safety products. The company operates an extensive network of stores and distribution centers, offering quick access to a broad range of industrial products for businesses and contractors.

Year Founded

1967

Major Product Categories

  • Fasteners (bolts, screws, nuts)
  • Hand and power tools
  • Safety and PPE products
  • Material handling equipment
  • Electrical supplies

Headquarters

Winona, Minnesota

6. Home Goods and Furniture Wholesalers

Home goods wholesalers supply retailers with products ranging from furniture to kitchenware and decor, serving the needs of interior designers, home improvement stores, and online sellers.

Wayfair Professional

Overview

Wayfair Professional is the B2B arm of Wayfair, specializing in wholesale distribution of home goods and furniture. They cater to a wide range of businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and interior design firms, offering bulk orders and exclusive discounts on furniture, decor, and office supplies.

Year Founded

2011

Major Product Categories

  • Furniture
  • Home decor
  • Kitchen and dining items
  • Office supplies
  • Lighting

Headquarters

Boston, Massachusetts

Ashley Furniture Industries

Overview

Ashley Furniture Industries is a leading wholesaler and manufacturer of home furniture, distributing products to retailers, department stores, and furniture stores. With a reputation for high-quality craftsmanship, Ashley Furniture offers a vast selection of furniture for the bedroom, living room, and dining room.

Year Founded

1945

Major Product Categories

  • Bedroom furniture
  • Living room furniture
  • Dining room sets
  • Home office furniture
  • Mattresses and bedding

Headquarters

Arcadia, Wisconsin

7. Automotive Parts Wholesalers

Automotive parts wholesalers supply a wide range of products, including replacement parts, tools, and accessories, to car dealerships, mechanics, and retail outlets.

Genuine Parts Company (NAPA Auto Parts)

Overview

Genuine Parts Company is one of the largest automotive parts wholesalers in the United States, best known for its NAPA Auto Parts stores. They supply a broad range of replacement parts, tools, and accessories for vehicles, catering to both independent auto repair shops and retail customers.

Year Founded

1928

Major Product Categories

  • Replacement parts (brakes, filters, belts)
  • Automotive tools
  • Batteries
  • Oils and fluids
  • Accessories

Headquarters

Atlanta, Georgia

Advance Auto Parts

Overview

Advance Auto Parts is a leading distributor of aftermarket automotive parts and accessories, offering a wide selection of products for cars, trucks, and SUVs. With a strong presence in both retail and commercial sectors, Advance Auto Parts serves mechanics, garages, and individual vehicle owners across the U.S.

Year Founded

1932

Major Product Categories

  • Replacement parts (engines, brakes, batteries)
  • Automotive tools
  • Fluids and chemicals
  • Car care products
  • Accessories

Headquarters

Raleigh, North Carolina

8. Office Supplies and Stationery Wholesalers

Wholesalers in this category supply businesses, schools, and retailers with essential office products such as paper, writing instruments, furniture, and electronics.

Staples Business Advantage

Overview

Staples Business Advantage is the wholesale division of Staples, providing businesses with bulk office supplies and furniture. They offer a wide selection of office essentials, including paper, electronics, and breakroom supplies, with a focus on serving large enterprises and small businesses alike.

Year Founded

1986

Major Product Categories

  • Office supplies (paper, pens, notebooks)
  • Office furniture
  • Electronics and printers
  • Breakroom supplies
  • Cleaning products

Headquarters

Framingham, Massachusetts

Essendant

Overview

Essendant is a leading wholesaler of office, janitorial, and industrial products, distributing to resellers, retailers, and B2B suppliers. They offer a broad selection of products, including office furniture, technology, cleaning supplies, and packaging materials.

Year Founded

1922

Major Product Categories

  • Office supplies
  • Janitorial and cleaning products
  • Office furniture
  • Packaging materials
  • Breakroom supplies

Headquarters

Deerfield, Illinois