Top 10 Wholesale Companies in 2024

Companies	Employees	HQ location	Revenue	Website	Industry
Best Buy	View 46,493 employees	🇺🇸 United States, Minnesota, Minneapolis	$ 500-1000M	bestbuy.com	Commerce and Shopping, Internet Services
alibaba.com	View 2,610 employees	🇨🇳 China, Zhejiang, Hangzhou	$ 500-1000M	alibaba.com	Commerce and Shopping, Internet Services, Manufacturing
Dollar Tree	View 25,052 employees	🇺🇸 United States, Virginia, Chesapeake	$ >1000M	dollartree.com	Commerce and Shopping
Cargill	View 54,365 employees	🇺🇸 United States, Minnesota, Wayzata	$ 500-1000M	cargill.com	Food and Beverage, Commerce and Shopping
Albertsons Companies	View 14,862 employees	🇺🇸 United States, California, Pleasanton	$ 500-1000M	albertsonscompanies.com	Food and Beverage, Commerce and Shopping
Woolworths Group	View 14,930 employees	🇦🇺 Australia, New South Wales, Bella Vista	$ >1000M	woolworthsgroup.com.au	Commerce and Shopping, Manufacturing, Consumer Goods
Shoprite Holdings	View 8,297 employees	🇿🇦 South Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town	$ 500-1000M	shopriteholdings.co.za	Commerce and Shopping
Wesfarmers	View 850 employees	🇦🇺 Australia, Western Australia, Perth	$ >1000M	wesfarmers.com.au	Manufacturing, Commerce and Shopping, Agriculture and Farming
Associated British Foods plc	View 561 employees	🇬🇧 United Kingdom, London	$ >1000M	abf.co.uk	Food and Beverage, Data and Analytics, Design, Commerce and Shopping
Steinhoff International	View 211 employees	🇿🇦 South Africa, Western Cape, Stellenbosch	$ >1000M	steinhoffinternational.com	Commerce and Shopping

1. Best Buy

Best Buy is a prominent name in the retail sector, especially noted for its wide-ranging portfolio of electronics and appliances. While traditionally recognized for its extensive network of retail stores, Best Buy also engages significantly in the wholesale market, offering bulk purchasing options for businesses seeking technology solutions. This strategic approach allows the company to meet the comprehensive needs of various industries, from small startups to large enterprises, by providing cost-effective and technologically advanced products. Best Buy’s adaptability and commitment to delivering high value make it a crucial supplier in the wholesale space, assisting companies in maintaining a competitive edge through technology.

Location 🇺🇸 United States, Minnesota, Minneapolis	Size View 46,493 employees
Revenue $ 500-1000M	Industries Commerce and Shopping, Internet Services
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2. alibaba.com

Alibaba.com stands as a powerhouse in the wholesale industry, facilitating global trade between suppliers and buyers across a wide range of product categories. This platform enables businesses of all sizes to source products efficiently at competitive prices. Alibaba.com is renowned for its vast selection, including everything from raw materials to finished goods, empowering retailers and distributors worldwide to stock up effectively and respond agilely to market demands. Its user-friendly interface and strong focus on secure and transparent transactions underscore its commitment to simplifying international trade and fostering business growth on a global scale.

Location 🇨🇳 China, Zhejiang, Hangzhou	Size View 2,610 employees
Revenue $ 500-1000M	Industries Commerce and Shopping, Internet Services, Manufacturing
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3. Dollar Tree

Dollar Tree is a prominent player in the value retail sector, renowned for its unique business model that offers a wide variety of products priced at $1 or less. As a key figure in the wholesale and retail landscape, Dollar Tree provides a cost-effective solution for businesses seeking to manage overhead costs while stocking a diverse range of merchandise. The company’s expansive supply chain and efficient distribution capabilities enable it to serve numerous small businesses and consumers, making it an essential resource for cost-conscious buyers looking to maximize their purchasing power. Dollar Tree’s commitment to affordability and variety has cemented its status as a vital partner for many enterprises aiming to maintain competitiveness and profitability.

Location 🇺🇸 United States, Virginia, Chesapeake	Size View 25,052 employees
Revenue $ >1000M	Industries Commerce and Shopping
	View Similar Companies

4. Cargill

Cargill is a prominent player in the global wholesale market, renowned for its extensive range of products including agricultural commodities, food, animal feed, and ingredients. With a vast network of operations spanning across continents, Cargill supports a diverse portfolio of customers from small businesses to multinational corporations. Their commitment to sustainability and innovation ensures they provide high-quality products while managing resources responsibly. Cargill’s deep industry knowledge and market insights empower businesses to thrive in a competitive environment, ensuring a stable supply chain and advanced solutions tailored to meet a variety of needs.

Location 🇺🇸 United States, Minnesota, Wayzata	Size View 54,365 employees
Revenue $ 500-1000M	Industries Food and Beverage, Commerce and Shopping
	View Similar Companies

5. Albertsons Companies

Albertsons Companies is a leading player in the wholesale and retail sectors, providing a wide range of food and general merchandise products to a diverse customer base. As a prominent firm in the wholesale industry, Albertsons powers sustainable supply chains to ensure quality and affordability. Through strategic partnerships and advanced distribution systems, they support numerous supermarkets, specialty stores, and other retail formats across the U.S. Albertsons is committed to enhancing operational efficiencies and fostering strong relationships with suppliers to meet the evolving needs of its consumers, ensuring they remain a pivotal force in the marketplace.

Location 🇺🇸 United States, California, Pleasanton	Size View 14,862 employees
Revenue $ 500-1000M	Industries Food and Beverage, Commerce and Shopping
	View Similar Companies

6. Woolworths Group

Woolworths Group is a prominent player in the wholesale and retail sector, primarily in Australia and New Zealand. The company handles an expansive range of products, including groceries, household goods, and clothing, through its network of stores and online platforms. Woolworths Group is known for its focus on sustainability and customer-centric approach, continually adapting its operations to meet the evolving needs of consumers and communities. By offering competitive pricing and a commitment to quality, Woolworths maintains its reputation as a key supplier for businesses and a trusted brand for consumers, driving substantial market engagement and loyalty.

Location 🇦🇺 Australia, New South Wales, Bella Vista	Size View 14,930 employees
Revenue $ >1000M	Industries Commerce and Shopping, Manufacturing, Consumer Goods
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7. Shoprite Holdings

Shoprite Holdings is a prominent player in the wholesale and retail sectors, primarily across African markets. Known for its cost-effective sourcing and extensive distribution network, Shoprite excels at delivering a diverse range of products efficiently to both small businesses and large entities. The company’s strategic focus on accessibility and affordability makes it a vital component in the supply chain, fostering robust connections with local suppliers and contributing to the development of regional economies. Shoprite’s commitment to consistent quality and service ensures it remains a preferred wholesale partner continent-wide.

Location 🇿🇦 South Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town	Size View 8,297 employees
Revenue $ 500-1000M	Industries Commerce and Shopping
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8. Wesfarmers

Wesfarmers, a prominent player in the wholesale industry, is renowned for its diversified business operations which include retail, industrial supplies, and chemicals. Leveraging its robust distribution network, Wesfarmers delivers a wide range of products and services that cater to various sectors, ensuring efficiency and value creation across the supply chain. Their strategic focus on sustainability and innovation enhances their capabilities to meet the evolving needs of their clients, thereby strengthening their market position as a trusted wholesale partner in Australia and beyond.

Location 🇦🇺 Australia, Western Australia, Perth	Size View 850 employees
Revenue $ >1000M	Industries Manufacturing, Commerce and Shopping, Agriculture and Farming
	View Similar Companies

9. Associated British Foods plc

Associated British Foods plc is a diversified international food, ingredients, and retail group operating predominantly in the wholesale sector. With a wide range of products spanning from sugar and bakery products to oils and fats, the company seamlessly integrates high-quality sourcing, manufacturing, and marketing to deliver exceptional value across its global network. Their strategic focus on versatile product offerings and sustainable practices enables them to meet the ever-evolving needs of customers and partners worldwide, establishing them as a stalwart in the wholesale industry and beyond.

Location 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, London	Size View 561 employees
Revenue $ >1000M	Industries Food and Beverage, Data and Analytics, Design, Commerce and Shopping
	View Similar Companies

10. Steinhoff International

Steinhoff International is a prominent wholesale and retail company known for its extensive global operations, specializing in household goods and general merchandise. Operating across Europe, Africa, and Australasia, Steinhoff furnishes customers with a diverse range of products, from furniture to clothing, emphasizing value and affordability. The company’s robust supply chain and strategic acquisitions have enabled it to maintain a strong market presence, making it a key player in the wholesale industry, adept at meeting the dynamic needs of global retailers and consumers alike.

Location 🇿🇦 South Africa, Western Cape, Stellenbosch	Size View 211 employees
Revenue $ >1000M	Industries Commerce and Shopping
	View Similar Companies

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Things to Consider When Prospecting into Wholesale Companies

Common Pain Points and Challenges for Companies in Wholesale

Margin Compression

In the wholesale industry, maintaining profitability is becoming increasingly challenging due to margin compression.

Rising costs of goods and operational expenses.
Increased competition both online and offline.
Pressure from manufacturers and customers to lower prices.

Sales Insight: Focus on value-added services or unique product offerings to differentiate yourself. This can help justify higher prices and improve customer loyalty. Discussing these insights with prospects may open up opportunities for collaborative solutions that support better margins.

Inventory Management

Effective inventory management is crucial but complex in wholesale due to fluctuating demand and supply chain variability.

Difficulty in forecasting demand accurately.
Overstocking or understocking, leading to financial losses.
Managing storage costs and logistics.

Sales Insight: Leverage data-driven tools to improve demand forecasting accuracy. Show prospects how your solutions can help optimize their inventory levels, reducing unnecessary costs and enhancing operational efficiency.

Digital Transformation

Embracing digital transformation remains a challenge for many wholesalers, particularly small to medium-sized enterprises.

Slow adoption of e-commerce and advanced data analytics.
Integrating digital solutions with existing legacy systems.
Lack of digital literacy among staff.

Sales Insight: Demonstrate how user-friendly digital tools can streamline operations and open up new sales channels. Help your clients see the practical benefits of digital investments, such as improved customer insights and streamlined operations.

Customer Demand for Faster Service

Meeting the modern customer’s expectation for quick service and fast delivery can be a significant hurdle for wholesalers.

The need for rapid turnaround on orders.
Customers expecting real-time inventory updates.
Competitive pressure from fast-moving digital players.

Sales Insight: Position your offerings to help clients speed up their service delivery. Solutions like real-time inventory tracking and streamlined order processing can be compelling selling points.

Regulatory Compliance

Staying compliant with an ever-changing landscape of industry regulations is a constant struggle for the wholesale sector.

Keeping up with changes in trade laws and tax regulations.
Environmental regulations affecting product sourcing and waste management.
Compliance costs impacting overall profitability.

Sales Insight: Offer expertise and solutions that ease the compliance burden. Be a trusted advisor by keeping updated on relevant regulations and helping your clients adapt their operations accordingly.

Supply Chain Disruptions

The wholesale industry is highly susceptible to supply chain disruptions, which can significantly impact business operations.

Reliance on global suppliers makes it vulnerable to international events.
Transportation delays and increased shipping costs.
Difficulties in maintaining consistent supply chain visibility.

Sales Insight: Highlight how your services can enhance supply chain resilience. Whether through diversified sourcing strategies or improved logistics solutions, show how you can help maintain consistent operations even during disruptions.

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Key Decision-Makers and Influencers in Wholesale

Key Departments

Purchasing

Insight: The backbone of any wholesale operation, the purchasing department is responsible for acquiring products that meet quality and price expectations. They look for reliable vendors and competitive pricing to ensure profitability.

Sales

Insight: Sales departments focus on customer relationships and revenue generation. Their purchasing decisions often prioritize tools that enhance customer engagement, streamline the sales process, and increase sales effectiveness.

Operations

Insight: Operations in wholesale manage the logistics of inventory, distribution, and warehouse management. They seek solutions that optimize inventory control, enhance distribution efficiency, and reduce operational costs.

Finance

Insight: Finance professionals scrutinize the cost implications of every purchasing decision. They consider the financial health of the company and look for investments that offer a clear and substantial ROI.

Insight: In today’s digital age, the IT department supports the technological infrastructure of the wholesale business. Their purchases focus on systems that secure data, enhance communication, and improve operational efficiency.

Marketing

Insight: This department aims to promote products effectively to drive sales. Marketing professionals look for tools that can analyze market trends, automate campaigns, and track the effectiveness of marketing strategies.

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Seniority Level

C-level Executives (e.g., CEO, CFO, COO)

Insight: Focus on the overall health and strategic direction of the wholesale business. Their key concerns include maximizing profitability, managing large-scale investments, and setting long-term goals. The effectiveness of partnerships and solutions in driving revenue and efficiency are paramount in their decision-making process.

Vice Presidents (VP) of Purchasing

Insight: Tasked with overseeing purchasing strategies and supplier relationships that directly impact the company’s bottom line. VPs of Purchasing look for cost-effective solutions that do not compromise on quality, ensuring the wholesale operations remain competitive and agile in the market.

Directors of Operations

Insight: Charged with ensuring that day-to-day activities run smoothly and efficiently. Directors of Operations evaluate tools and systems that can streamline processes, improve order fulfillment rates, and reduce operational costs. Their decisions are strongly influenced by the potential ROI and the ability to meet the increasing demands of distribution logistics.

Supply Chain Managers

Insight: Actively involved in the tactical aspects of managing inventory, warehousing, and logistics. Supply Chain Managers seek robust solutions that ensure product availability, timely delivery, and minimal disruptions. Their purchasing decisions are heavily influenced by the proven reliability and integration capabilities of the vendor’s offerings.

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Buying Processes and Behaviors in Wholesale

Long-Term Relationships Focus

Wholesalers prioritize long-term relationships with suppliers and customers for stability and reliability.

Stability in supply ensures consistent product availability for their clients.
Long-term contracts can lead to better pricing and terms.
Reliable partnerships reduce the risk and costs associated with frequent supplier changes.

How to leverage: Emphasize the reliability and consistency of your service or product. Offer flexible, long-term contract options that provide incremental value, reassuring the wholesale buyer of continual support and stability. Building a trustworthy rapport will also position you as a preferred vendor in competitive markets.

Volume-Based Purchasing

In the wholesale industry, purchasing decisions are often made based on volume to capitalize on economies of scale.

Large volume purchases reduce the unit cost of goods.
Economies of scale enable competitive pricing in downstream retail markets.
Bulk buying often correlates with lower transportation and handling costs.

How to leverage: Present pricing structures that reward higher volume orders, and highlight the scalability of your supply chain to meet large orders. Ensure that your proposition aligns with their need to distribute costs efficiently across their supply needs.

Strategic Supplier Selection

Wholesalers carefully select their suppliers based on criteria that will support their operational and customer service goals.

Supplier reliability ensures consistent product quality and availability.
Competitive pricing from suppliers is critical to maintain profit margins.
Supplier’s geographic location can impact lead times and logistics costs.

How to leverage: Showcase your product’s consistent quality and your company’s logistics capabilities. Be transparent about your pricing models and how they can contribute to the wholesaler’s profitability. Being strategically located or offering favorable delivery terms can make your proposal more attractive.

Technology Adoption for Efficiency

Wholesalers are increasingly adopting technology to enhance efficiency in ordering, inventory management, and customer relationship management.

Technology reduces manual processes and errors in order management.
Improved inventory management leads to better product availability and customer satisfaction.
CRM systems help in maintaining detailed customer data and personalizing sales approaches.

How to leverage: Demonstrating how your product or service integrates with existing technologies can be a strong selling point. Offer solutions that streamline operations, whether through better inventory management systems or through CRM integrations that enhance customer relationship capabilities.

Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing

Sustainability and ethical sourcing are becoming increasingly important in the wholesale industry.

Consumers and businesses are more environmentally and socially conscious.
Sustainable practices can be a differentiator in competitive markets.
Regulatory compliance on sourcing standards is becoming stricter.

How to leverage: Highlight any sustainable or ethical practices involved in your production or supply chain. Certifications or evidence of compliance with industry standards can enhance your appeal to wholesalers looking to meet these growing market demands.

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Prospecting Tips for Selling to Wholesale Companies

Title: Emphasize Efficiency and Scalability

Wholesalers are constantly looking for ways to improve efficiency and manage costs effectively. When reaching out, emphasize how your product or service can help streamline their operations and scale smoothly as their business grows.

Tip: Highlight features of your product that reduce labor, speed up processes, or enable easier scaling.

Title: Stress Inventory Management Solutions

Effective inventory management is central to the success of wholesale businesses. Demonstrate your understanding of their needs by discussing how your solutions help maintain optimal inventory levels, reducing both excess stock and stockouts.

Tip: Present case studies or testimonials that show your product’s success in improving inventory accuracy and turnover rates.

Title: Leverage Data-Driven Decision Making

Wholesalers often operate on thin margins and make decisions based on data. Show how your solutions provide critical data that can help them make informed purchasing and sales decisions.

Tip: Explain how your product or service integrates with their current systems to enhance data accessibility and usability.

Title: Acknowledge the Importance of Supplier Relationships

For wholesalers, strong relationships with suppliers can be a competitive advantage. When prospecting, acknowledge the importance of these relationships and discuss how your solution can enhance or complement their existing partnerships.

Tip: Offer examples of how your service or product improves supplier communication or collaboration, which may be a strong selling point.

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Want to see more Wholesale companies?

Things to Consider When Prospecting into Wholesale Companies

Common Pain Points and Challenges for Companies in Wholesale

Customer Demand for Faster Service

Regulatory Compliance

Supply Chain Disruptions

Start finding new prospects that match your ICP

Key Decision-Makers and Influencers in Wholesale

Key Departments

Seniority Level

Not joined surfe yet? Sign up to Surfe today

Buying Processes and Behaviors in Wholesale

Technology Adoption for Efficiency

Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing

Not joined Surfe yet? Get 20 free credits

Prospecting Tips for Selling to Wholesale Companies

Need prospects?

Top 10 Wholesale Companies — a guide for sales

Want to see more Wholesale companies?

Things to Consider When Prospecting into Wholesale Companies

Common Pain Points and Challenges for Companies in Wholesale

Supply Chain Disruptions

Start finding new prospects that match your ICP

Key Decision-Makers and Influencers in Wholesale

Key Departments

Seniority Level

Not joined surfe yet? Sign up to Surfe today

Buying Processes and Behaviors in Wholesale

Not joined Surfe yet? Get 20 free credits

Prospecting Tips for Selling to Wholesale Companies