Top Value-Driven Products Retailers Should Stock in 2026 — And Why Wholesalers Prioritize Them

Be New-Year Ready with Smart, High-Margin Inventory

As we enter 2026, both retailers and wholesalers are facing a market where value, versatility, and margin protection matter more than ever. Consumers are still looking for affordable everyday products, while retailers need dependable wholesalers who understand what actually moves in stores.

At Great Lakes Wholesale, we work with thousands of retailers across convenience, discount, hardware, paint, and general merchandise. That gives us a unique vantage point: we see which products quietly outperform, which categories deliver the most dependable sell-through, and why wholesalers prioritize certain SKUs year after year.

If you're planning your New Year buying strategy, here are the top value-driven products every retailer should stock—and why wholesalers like us put them at the top of our 2026 priority list.

1. Everyday Tools: The Unsung Heroes of Retail Profit

Category to Watch: Hand tools, utility tools, fix-it accessories
Featured Brand: IIT Tools (our in-house value hardware line)

Tools continue to deliver steady year-round performance across convenience stores, hardware shops, discount stores, and variety retailers. Customers look for affordable solutions for quick jobs at home, and IIT tools meet that sweet spot: dependable quality at a price point shoppers don’t think twice about.

Why Retailers Should Stock Them

• Small footprint, high value
• Impulse-friendly price points
• High sell-through even in slow seasons
• Perfect add-on items at checkout
• Great margin opportunity

Why Wholesalers Prioritize Them
Tools maintain strong demand regardless of the economy. They’re stable to inventory, easy to palletize, and simple for stores to merchandise. Wholesalers rely on proven categories that consistently move, and tools deliver exactly that.

2. Paint & DIY Supplies: Value Customers Want, Margins Retailers Need

Featured Brand: Lee Jones Paint (private label–quality paint without the private label price)

Paint continues to see a surge in DIY-driven demand, especially as customers repair, repaint, and personalize their homes on a budget. Our Lee Jones Paint line offers retailers the ability to compete with big-box stores—without the big-box overhead.

Why Retailers Should Stock It

• Strong margin category
• High customer trust once they try it
• Recurring purchase items (rollers, trays, brushes)
• Great for building a reliable DIY section

Why Wholesalers Prioritize It
Retailers want alternatives to national brands that still deliver performance. Wholesalers favor paint lines like Lee Jones because the formulas are consistent, the cost is controlled, and the retailer gets a brand they can depend on year after year.

3. Closeouts: The New-Year’s Secret Weapon for High Margins

Closeouts remain one of the most profitable categories for both sides of the industry. Whether it’s overstocks, packaging changes, or discontinued items, closeouts give retailers unbeatable buying opportunities—and wholesalers a chance to pass savings directly downstream.

Why Retailers Should Stock Closeouts

• Extremely high margin potential
• Seasonal rotation keeps shelves fresh
• Perfect for endcaps and promotional bins
• Customers love the “treasure hunt” experience

Why Wholesalers Prioritize Closeouts
Wholesalers rely on strong relationships with vendors to source legitimate, high-quality closeouts. When the deals come in, they move fast—and the retailers who plan early (especially for the New Year) get the best selection.

If you want to make 2026 your strongest closeout year yet, this is the category to lean into early.

4. Household Essentials: The Always-In-Demand Category

Consumers are still highly price-sensitive, making cleaning products, kitchen essentials, bath items, and personal care basics consistent winners.

Why Retailers Should Stock Them

• Predictable weekly sales
• High reorder frequency
• Bread-and-butter items that build customer trust
• Value-tier options outperform premium brands in tougher economies

Why Wholesalers Prioritize Them
Wholesalers focus on staples because demand is virtually guaranteed. These items keep inventory turning and help wholesalers maintain the volume retailers rely on.

Be New-Year Ready: Build the Right Inventory Mix for 2026

The most successful retailers in the new year will be the ones who:

• Prioritize value-driven items
• Stock small but profitable tools
• Extend their DIY categories
• Lean into closeout deals early
• Maintain strong household and convenience essentials

And the wholesalers who win will be those who help retailers buy smarter, understand market shifts, and provide products that deliver real value to everyday customers.

At Great Lakes Wholesale, we're committed to making 2026 your strongest inventory year yet. Whether you're restocking shelves or planning your first quarter buys, our team is here to support you with dependable goods, strong margins, and meaningful wholesale partnerships.