Before examining specific product lines, it is essential to understand the “General Wholesale Way.” Operating out of a massive facility on Eight Mile Road in Southfield, Michigan, the company is built on the philosophy of treating every customer like family.
Why the Closeout Model Works
General Wholesale specializes in closeout distribution. This means they acquire excess inventory, products with discontinued packaging, or overstock from major national manufacturers and retailers. Because they purchase these items at significantly reduced costs, they can pass those savings on to their B2B partners—primarily dollar stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, and online resellers.
- Profit Margins: For a retailer, buying a throw blanket or a patriotic decoration at a closeout price means the ability to sell at a competitive retail price while www.generalswholesale.com maintaining a margin that is often double or triple what a standard distributor allows.
- Dynamic Inventory: The nature of closeouts means the website (generalws.com) is updated daily with new finds, creating a “treasure hunt” experience for business buyers.
2. Comfort and Style: The Throw Blankets Category
General Wholesale’s Throw Blanket Category is more than just a collection of linens; it is a vital inventory segment for home décor retailers and gift shops. Throw blankets are unique in the retail world because they are both a functional necessity and a high-frequency gift item.
Types of Blankets Often Found in the Catalog
General Wholesale’s inventory shifts with the seasons and available closeout deals, but retailers can typically expect a variety of materials and designs:
A. Microfiber and Polar Fleece
Fleece is the workhorse of the throw blanket world. It is lightweight, incredibly soft, and easy to wash.
- Retail Appeal: These are perfect “impulse buy” items. When placed near a checkout counter or in a dedicated “cozy corner,” fleece throws at a $5 to $10 price point move quickly.
- Variety: From solid colors to animal prints and geometric patterns, fleece throws cater to a wide demographic.
B. Sherpa-Lined Luxuries
Sherpa blankets, characterized by their “faux sheepskin” lining, represent a slightly higher tier of quality.
- Gifting Potential: Because of their weight and perceived value, Sherpa-lined blankets are popular during the Q4 holiday season. Retailers often bundle these with candles or mugs to create high-value gift baskets.
C. Licensed and Character Throws
One of the strengths of General Wholesale is their access to licensed goods. It is common to find throw blankets featuring:
- Sports Teams: NFL, MLB, and NCAA branding.
- Pop Culture: Characters from Disney, Marvel, or popular children’s television shows.
- The Advantage: Licensed goods carry built-in demand. A customer might not be looking for a blanket, but they are always looking for “their team.”
Merchandising Strategies for Blankets
For the small business owner, blankets take up significant shelf space. General Wholesale helps by often providing these in “PDQ” (Product Display Quantity) boxes or floor displays. These ready-to-sell units allow retailers to set up a professional-looking display in seconds.
3. The Spirit of America: Patriotic Items
The Patriotic Items Category is a year-round staple for General Wholesale, though it sees massive surges during Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day. In the United States, patriotic décor is a multi-billion dollar niche that extends beyond flags to include clothing, party supplies, and home accents.
A. Flags of All Sizes
From the 3’x5′ heavy-duty polyester flags for home mounting to the small 4″x6″ “stick flags” used for parades and cemetery placements, General Wholesale offers a full spectrum of American flags.
- Quality Variations: They often stock both printed and embroidered versions, allowing retailers to serve different price points.
B. Patriotic Party and Event Supplies
The “Red, White, and Blue” theme is central to American summer culture. General Wholesale’s patriotic catalog frequently includes:
- Tableware: Paper plates, napkins, and plastic tablecloths featuring stars and stripes.
- Wearables: Blue and red glow necklaces, patriotic hats, sunglasses, and “tinsel” headbands.
- Decorations: Bunting, garlands, and metallic star hanging decorations.
C. Novelties and Gifts
This sub-category includes items like:
- Patriotic-themed ducks (PVC).
- American flag-themed “fleece tied” throw kits (bridging both categories!).
- Stationery and activity books for children.
4. Synergy: Where Throws Meet Patriotism
One of the most popular items in the General Wholesale inventory is the USA American Flag Patriotic Throw. This product is the perfect intersection of the two categories.
- Use Cases: It is a staple for outdoor events like 4th of July fireworks, where the evening air gets chilly. It is also a popular item for veteran-owned businesses, military-themed gift shops, and “Americana” home décor displays.
5. Logistics and the Customer Experience
General Wholesale’s physical presence in Southfield, MI, serves as a hub for efficient logistics.
- Shipping: They utilize a mix of their own delivery fleet for regional customers and major carriers (UPS, FedEx, LTL Freight) for national orders.
- Minimum Orders: With a low minimum order requirement (often as low as $50 for registered members), they make it possible for a start-up entrepreneur to test these categories without a massive capital layout.
- Showroom Experience: For local Michigan retailers, the ability to visit the Southfield location and see the quality of the blankets and patriotic items in person is a major benefit.