letrankIn the high-stakes world of retail and e-commerce, the bridge between a profitable quarter and a stagnant one is often the quality and cost-basis of your inventory. General Wholesale, a family-owned distribution powerhouse based in Southfield, Michigan, has spent decades mastering the art of “Closeout Distribution.” By specializing in acquiring brand-name overstocks www.generalswholesale.com and discontinued lines, they provide a lifeline to small businesses, dollar stores, and Amazon resellers who need to compete with big-box giants.
Two of the most historically reliable and high-margin categories within their massive catalog are Throw Blankets and Patriotic Items. While seemingly different, these two categories share a common thread: they tap into deep consumer emotions—comfort and pride.
This comprehensive guide explores these two specific categories at General Wholesale, offering insights into sourcing, merchandising, and the logistics of a full-service wholesale partnership.
Part I: The Business Logic of General Wholesale
To understand why sourcing from GeneralWS.com is strategic, one must understand the Closeout Model.
1. What is a Closeout?
A closeout occurs when a manufacturer (like Disney, Cannon, or a major textile mill) has excess inventory. This could be due to a change in packaging, the end of a seasonal run, or a canceled order from a massive retailer. General Wholesale buys these goods in bulk, often by the truckload, and breaks them down into manageable quantities for smaller businesses.
2. The Family-Owned Difference
In an era of automated AI-driven logistics, General Wholesale maintains a “human-first” approach. Their facility at 19660 Eight Mile Rd, Southfield, MI, serves as a hub where sales associates provide one-on-one service. This is particularly valuable for the Throw Blanket and Patriotic categories, where “feel” and “visual appeal” are paramount.
Part II: The Throw Blankets Category
General Wholesale’s Throw Blanket Category is a cornerstone of their “soft goods” department. Blankets are unique because they are non-perishable, easy to store, and have a universal appeal across all demographics.
1. Material Deep Dive
When browsing the “All Products” or specific blanket categories, retailers will encounter several key materials:
- Polar Fleece: The industry standard for value. It is lightweight, durable, and highly insulative.
- Microplush & Velvet Fleece: A step up in softness, these blankets have a “sheen” that makes them look more expensive than their wholesale price suggests.
- Sherpa-Lined Throws: These are “double-layered” blankets featuring a smooth outer fabric and a fuzzy, wool-like inner lining. These are the gold standard for winter holiday sales.
2. Licensing and Branding
A major draw for General Wholesale is their access to licensed merchandise. You will often find throw blankets featuring:
- Sports Teams (NFL/MLB/NCAA): Essential for “Gameday” promotions.
- Children’s Characters: Disney, Nickelodeon, and Marvel characters are perennial best-sellers in the “gift” segment.
3. Merchandising the “Cozy Factor”
Retailers can maximize these products by:
- Bundling: Pairing a $5 fleece throw with a mug and cocoa set to create a $20 gift basket.
- Seasonal Rotation: Shifting from lightweight cotton/fleece in the spring to heavy Sherpa in October.
Part III: The Patriotic Items Category
General Wholesale’s Patriotic Items Category represents a market that never truly goes out of style in the United States. While demand peaks in the summer, “Americana” is a year-round décor trend.
1. Flags and Banners
This is the “meat and potatoes” of the category. General Wholesale typically stocks:
- Residential Flags (3×5 ft): High-turnover items for hardware and dollar stores.
- Grave Markers/Stick Flags: Crucial for Memorial Day and Veterans Day services.
- Bunting and Pleated Fans: Used for decorating storefronts, porches, and parade floats.
2. Patriotic Apparel and Accessories
Beyond hardware, the patriotic line often includes:
- Fashion: Stars-and-stripes themed hats, scarves, and even “Americana” themed socks.
- Novelties: Blue and red glow sticks, “USA” branded sunglasses, and patriotic-themed party favors.
3. The “Summer Peak” Strategy
For most retailers, the patriotic window begins in early May (pre-Memorial Day) and runs through Labor Day. Sourcing from General Wholesale allows a retailer to buy these items at “off-season” closeout prices and hold them for the peak season, ensuring a margin that competitors buying at “current” prices cannot match.
Part IV: Logistics, Shipping, and Partnerships
A wholesaler is only as good as its ability to get the product to your door. General Wholesale offers a “full-service” experience that simplifies the supply chain.
1. National Reach from Southfield
Though deeply rooted in Michigan, General Wholesale ships across the continental United States. They utilize:
- LTL (Less Than Truckload) Freight: For palletized orders of heavy blankets or bulk flags.
- Standard Carriers (UPS/FedEx): For smaller “parcel” orders suited for boutiques and Amazon FBA sellers.
2. Accessible Entry Points
One of the most significant barriers to wholesale is the “Minimum Order Quantity” (MOQ). General Wholesale is known for being “small business friendly.” By offering low minimums on many of their throw blanket and patriotic shippers, they allow new entrepreneurs to “test the waters” with $100–$500 orders rather than requiring thousands in upfront capital.
Part V: Why This Duo Matters
The combination of Throw Blankets and Patriotic Items gives a retailer a balanced inventory.
- The Blankets provide consistent, year-round “utility” sales.
- The Patriotic Items provide “event-driven” surges that can clear out a shelf in a single weekend.
By sourcing both from a single distributor, you consolidate your shipping costs and build a relationship with a sales team that understands your business’s rhythm.
Conclusion
Success in the modern marketplace requires a partner that offers more than just a price list; it requires a partner that offers opportunity. General Wholesale’s commitment to quality closeouts in the throw blanket and patriotic sectors provides retailers with the “wow” factor customers crave at a price point that keeps the business healthy.
