Blog & News

What Actually Sells When Consumers Pull Back: Lessons from Thousands of Retailers

Posted 02/16/2026
As consumers become more selective with their spending, retail success depends less on trends and more on practicality. Drawing on insight from thousands of retailers, this article highlights the categories that continue to perform when shoppers pull back—everyday tools, paint and DIY supplies, closeouts, and household essentials. These value-driven products solve real problems, turn consistently, and protect margins, helping retailers adjust their inventory mix without overhauling their stores. The takeaway is clear: when value matters most, dependable, problem-solving inventory keeps moving.
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Top Value-Driven Products Retailers Should Stock in 2026 — And Why Wholesalers Prioritize Them

Posted 01/14/2026
Get New-Year ready with the high-margin, high-velocity products retailers must carry in 2026. From everyday tools and DIY essentials to household staples and closeout deals, this guide breaks down the categories wholesalers prioritize—and why they consistently deliver. Whether you're a retailer planning Q1 orders or a wholesaler shaping your buying strategy, these insights help you win the value-driven customer of 2026.
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Why Flyers Still Matter in Wholesale and Retail (And Why You Should Watch Your Inbox)

Posted 11/13/2025
Flyers remain a powerful marketing tool in wholesale and retail, even in the digital age. They provide instant visibility for time-sensitive deals, help customers access new arrivals first, and deliver quick inventory updates. By paying attention to email flyers, customers can stay ahead of trends and secure the best offers before stock runs out.
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Haunt the Checkout: Halloween Impulse Buys That Cast a Sales Spell

Posted 10/30/2025
Halloween isn’t just about costumes and candy—it’s a golden opportunity for retailers to boost impulse sales. By stocking compact, themed, and practical products at the checkout zone, you can turn your front-end into a frightfully profitable hotspot. Great Lakes Wholesale offers everything from cleaning essentials to glowing novelties, ensuring your store is ready for spooky-season shoppers.
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Impulse Zones That Work: Designing Checkout Areas That Sell

Posted 10/16/2025
Learn how to transform your checkout space into a profit center by creating impulse zones that encourage last-minute purchases. Discover what makes a product impulse-ready, seasonal opportunities, and display tips to maximize sales.
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Stock Up Before the Snow Falls

Posted 09/29/2025
As temperatures drop and snow looms, smart retailers know it’s time to prepare. Great Lakes Wholesale offers a full lineup of winter-ready products—from snow brushes and thermal blankets to camo wraps and emergency shelters. Stock early to capture seasonal demand, avoid delays, and keep your customers safe and warm. Let us help you build a winter assortment that sells.
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Why Company Events Still Matter — A Great Lakes Wholesale Perspective

Posted 09/19/2025
In an increasingly digital workplace, company events remain a vital part of building strong teams and lasting culture. At Great Lakes Wholesale, we’ve seen firsthand how gatherings like our annual picnic foster connection, spark creativity, and reinforce our shared values. This post explores the deeper impact of in-person events—from boosting morale to driving innovation—and why we continue to invest in meaningful moments for our team.
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Tariffs Are Rising—Why Smart Retailers Are Buying Wholesale in the U.S.

Posted 08/18/2025
As global tariffs climb and importing becomes more complex, small retailers are facing rising costs and logistical headaches. This blog explores how domestic wholesale sourcing—like buying from Great Lakes Wholesale—offers a smarter, more stable alternative. With better margins, shelf-ready products, and flexible case packs, U.S.-based sourcing helps retailers stay competitive and agile in a shifting market.
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Why Wholesale Back-to-School Supplies Make Sense — Partner with Great Lakes Wholesale

Posted 08/06/2025
As the back-to-school season approaches, retailers and resellers can rely on Great Lakes Wholesale for high-quality, affordable school supplies in bulk. From composition notebooks and art materials to poster boards and organizational tools, GLW offers everything students need to start the school year strong. With competitive pricing and a streamlined ordering process, GLW helps businesses stay ahead of seasonal demand and support families with essential school gear. Register today to stock up and save.
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Ride the F1 Wave: Stock Up on Race-Ready Auto Essentials with Great Lakes Wholesale

Posted 07/08/2025
With the buzz around the new Brad Pitt F1 movie, now is the perfect time to fuel your business with high-performance automotive essentials from Great Lakes Wholesale. From must-have tools and car care products to stylish accessories, this is your chance to capitalize on the global excitement for Formula 1. Offer your customers the thrill of the track with top-tier products, themed promotions, and limited-time bundles that keep them coming back for more.
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Scaling Success: How Great Lakes Wholesale Supports Businesses from Startups to National Chains

Posted 06/20/2025
Great Lakes Wholesale offers scalable wholesale solutions for businesses of all sizes, from independent retailers to national brands. With over 5,000 SKUs across diverse categories, the company provides flexible ordering options, reliable fulfillment, and data-driven inventory planning to help businesses grow. Whether you’re a small store owner or a corporate buyer, Great Lakes Wholesale tailors its services to meet your needs, supporting everything from bulk orders to seasonal promotions.
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Explore Wholesale Tools by Illinois Industrial Tool

Posted 05/19/2025
Great Lakes Wholesale’s extensive line of IIT wholesale tools includes hammers, clamps, knives, automotive tools, electrical and lighting equipment, and more. By offering tools in bulk, they give retailers the ability to stock high-quality products that cater to both professional contractors and DIY enthusiasts. This not only strengthens your in-ventory, but also contributes to increased sales and customer satisfaction. With a focus on reliability and service, Illinois Industrial Tool remains a leading choice for businesses seeking dependable wholesale tools.
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Best Wholesale Distributor Deals for Summer

Posted 04/25/2025
As retailers prepare for the busy summer season, stocking up on the right products at the right time can make all the difference. Whether you're running a dollar store, e-commerce shop, or brick-and-mortar business, partnering with a trusted wholesale distributor is essential for staying ahead of customer demand. From lawn and garden gear to beach toys, outdoor essentials, and cleaning supplies, Great Lakes Wholesale offers un-beatable deals across a wide range of categories. In this guide, we’ll explore the best wholesale distributor deals for summer and show you why Great Lakes Wholesale is the ideal partner for your seasonal inventory needs.
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How Tariffs Are Changing The Wholesale Market

Posted 04/11/2025
The U.S. economy is undergoing a big shift due to recent tariffs on imported goods. These changes can impact wholesale markets in several ways, including price uncertainty, increased costs of goods, inventory manage-ment challenges, and supply chain adjustments. Having a smart wholesale buying strategy is more important than ever.
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Best Wholesale Personal Care Products for Your Store

Posted 03/21/2025
With more than 5,000 products, Great Lakes Wholesale has everything you need, making it the leading one-stop supplier. Whether you are overseas or looking for a USA wholesale distributor, we've got you covered. Great Lakes Wholesale also ships internationally, making it easier to take advantage of wholesale discounts. Our products range from food and household cleaning supplies to beauty products, pet foods, tools, and more.
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Why Great Lakes Wholesale is the Leading One-Stop Supplier

Posted 03/07/2025
With more than 5,000 products, Great Lakes Wholesale has everything you need, making it the leading one-stop supplier. Whether you are overseas or looking for a USA wholesale distributor, we've got you covered. Great Lakes Wholesale also ships internationally, making it easier to take advantage of wholesale discounts. Our products range from food and household cleaning supplies to beauty products, pet foods, tools, and more.
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How to Choose the Right Wholesale Distributor

Posted 02/24/2025
A strong relationship with a dependable wholesale distributor can significantly improve your business. Small businesses and large retail stores thrive on wholesale distribution partnerships because they increase their profit margin, reduce costs, and more. Keeping your inventory well-maintained is essential to developing customer loyalty; this is another reason why choosing the right wholesale distributor is crucial. In this guide, we'll review the key factors to consider when partnering with a wholesale distribution company.
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Top Benefits of Buying Wholesale Tools

Posted 02/14/2025
Selling tools in bulk to other retailers at a low price is a common practice by wholesalers. This inherently benefits retail businesses like hardware stores to increase their profit margins. That's why businesses should understand what a wholesaling company does and how it can help you reach your business goals. It's important to point out some common misconceptions about buying wholesale tools, one being that they can require a lot of money, which is not true. This is especially true when you put things into a broader perspective, in which case you can save money by buying tools in bulk from brands such as IIT Tools at distributor companies like Great Lakes Wholesale.
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Wholesale Power Tools: Your Key to Business Productivity in 2025

Posted 01/23/2025
The construction, manufacturing, and automotive industries rely on power tools to operate their businesses. Reducing per-unit costs can boost profit margins. Implementing wholesale sourcing strategies is important for any business looking to uncover growth opportunities. This guide explores the role of wholesale power tools, their benefits, and strategies to source them effectively.
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How Wholesale Tools Keep Winter Fleets Running: Maintenance Tips

Posted 12/17/2024
Winter fleet maintenance is the backbone of industries that rely on vehicles. It's especially important during the holidays when a smooth operation is key to avoid delays. Technicians and reliable fleet operators need to have access to tools from trusted tools distributors in USA to address issues. Whether it's snowplows clearing icy roads, delivery trucks driving in snowy conditions, or public buses ensuring safe transportation, fleet maintenance is a high-stakes operation.
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