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.
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
