In the fast-paced world of retail, the ability to secure high-quality inventory at prices that allow for healthy margins is the difference between a thriving business and a struggling one. General Wholesale, located in Southfield, Michigan, has spent over 25 years positioning itself as a cornerstone of the wholesale industry. By focusing on a “full-service” model and specializing www.generalswholesale.com in brand-name closeouts, they offer a unique value proposition for convenience stores, dollar stores, Amazon resellers, and independent grocers.
1. The General Wholesale Philosophy: More Than Just a Warehouse
Before diving into the thousands of products available, it is essential to understand the foundation of General Wholesale. Founded over a quarter-century ago, the company operates under a simple but powerful mission: “Providing Quality Service & Products at Quality Prices.”
As a family-owned and operated entity, they distinguish themselves from massive corporate distributors through personalized service. Their sales associates do not just process orders; they provide one-on-one consulting to help business owners identify which items—particularly closeouts—will perform best in their specific demographic. This high level of customer service extends from the front office to the warehouse and logistics teams.
2. Navigating the “All Products” Universe
The “All Products” section of the General Wholesale website is a reflection of the modern consumer’s needs. Because they specialize in closeouts, the inventory is dynamic—new products are added weekly, and sometimes daily. The catalog is generally divided into several major pillars:
A. Grocery and Consumables
The grocery category is a primary draw for retail partners. General Wholesale stocks a vast array of national brands that consumers recognize and trust.
- Dry Goods & Staples: This includes cereals from Kellogg’s and General Mills, pastas, canned soups (Campbell’s, Progresso), and baking supplies.
- Snack Foods: A major driver for convenience stores. You will find bulk options for chips (Lays, Doritos), crackers (Ritz, Cheez-It), and granola bars.
- Beverages: From energy drinks and sodas to juices and bottled water, this category allows retailers to keep their coolers stocked with high-demand liquids.
- Confectionery: General Wholesale is a destination for candy. They offer everything from seasonal holiday chocolates to everyday “peg bag” candies and chocolate bars from Mars, Hershey’s, and Nestlé.
B. Health and Beauty (HABA)
Personal care items are essential high-frequency purchases. General Wholesale offers these products in quantities that suit both small boutiques and high-volume pharmacies.
- Oral Care: Toothpaste (Crest, Colgate), mouthwash (Scope, Listerine), and toothbrushes.
- Hair & Body: Shampoos, conditioners, soaps, and body washes from brands like White Rain, Dial, and Dove.
- Over-the-Counter (OTC): Basic medical supplies, cough drops, and pain relievers.
C. Household Essentials & Cleaning Supplies
The “Paper & Plastic” and “Cleaning” categories are critical for dollar stores and general merchandise retailers.
- Paper Products: Bulk toilet paper (Angel Soft, Scott), paper towels (Brawny, Bounty), and napkins.
- Cleaning Chemicals: Laundry detergents (Tide, Gain), dish soaps (Dawn, Palmolive), and surface cleaners (Lysol, Clorox).
- Food Storage: Aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and Ziploc bags.
D. Specialty Categories: Auto, Baby, and Toys
Diversity is the hallmark of the “All Products” page.
- Auto: Motor oils, wiper fluids, and basic car care accessories for gas station retail.
- Baby: Diapers, wipes, and infant care products.
- Games & Toys: A revolving selection of seasonal toys, puzzles, and “As Seen On TV” items that provide excellent impulse-buy opportunities near checkout counters.
3. The Advantage of Closeout Distribution
The term “Closeout” is central to the General Wholesale business model. Unlike traditional distributors who buy current-line products at fixed prices, a closeout distributor specializes in:
- Overstock: Manufacturers who produced more than they could sell to big-box retailers.
- Packaging Changes: Products that are perfectly fine but have a previous version of a label or box.
- Discontinued Items: Products that a manufacturer is moving away from to make room for new lines.
Why this matters for your business: By sourcing these items, General Wholesale can offer them at a fraction of the standard wholesale cost. This allows the retailer to either offer a lower price to their customers (undercutting big-box competitors) or maintain a much higher profit margin on the sale.
4. Full-Service Logistics: Southfield to the World
Located at 19660 Eight Mile Rd, Southfield, MI, General Wholesale is strategically positioned to serve the Midwest, but their reach is national. Their full-service approach means they handle every step of the chain:
- Buying: Professional buyers scour the market for the best deals on brand-name goods.
- Warehousing: A meticulously managed facility ensures that products are stored in optimal conditions (especially important for groceries).
- Shipping & Receiving: They offer flexible shipping options, including palletized freight for large orders and smaller shipments for emerging businesses.
- Minimum Orders: They maintain accessible minimums (often as low as $50 for certain platforms/memberships) to ensure that even the smallest “Mom and Pop” shop can access wholesale pricing.
5. How to Partner with General Wholesale
To access the full “All Products” catalog and see current pricing, businesses typically need to create an account. This protects the wholesale nature of the pricing and ensures that the deals remain exclusive to B2B partners.
Key Contact Information:
- Website: www.generalws.com
- Phone: 248-355-0900
- Location: 19660 Eight Mile Rd, Southfield, MI 48075
6. Conclusion
General Wholesale represents the best of the American distribution industry: a family-run business that has scaled to meet the needs of a globalized economy. Their “All Products” category is more than just a list of items; it is a curated collection of opportunities for business owners to grow their revenue.
Whether