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As an independent retailer, you have an opportunity to delight your customers and community with goods they won’t find anywhere else. To create the best possible experience for your customers—whether they’re shopping in-store or online—you need to source the most unique wholesale products from the most interesting wholesale brands.
There are a lot of wholesale brands out there, so choosing the right options for your store may feel overwhelming. Here, we’re sharing ways you can find the very best goods for your community.
Why are unique wholesale products important?
When you stock a distinctive assortment of wholesale brands in your shop, you can give yourself a competitive edge. Build a deep connection with your customers by curating hand-picked, unique wholesale products. This tells your customers that you’re conscious of their preferences and that your business is for them. Plus, you have an opportunity to help your customers to discover new finds, which makes you the go-to place for both the familiar and the fresh.
So, where should you begin? Read on for simple ways to find the best wholesale brands.
How to find wholesale brands your customers will love
There are plenty of effective ways to approach your buying. Here are four methods to help get you started.
1. Buy from wholesale brands that share your values
Stock products that align with your customers’ values. For example, your community may love to shop goods that are sustainable, charitable, or that can’t be found at big-box stores like Amazon. Popular consumer values include:
- Made in the USA. In a 2019 survey by Faire, 50% of Americans reported they would prefer to receive gifts that were made in the USA. Some of the best selling brands in this category include Camp Craft Cocktails, budgiegoods, and TWEE.
- Handmade. In the same survey, 37% of millennial women said they would prefer to receive a handmade gift. Plus, the handmade category ranked as a top-purchased value at both Faire Summer Market 2020 and Faire Winter Market 2021. Popular handmade wholesale brands include albert L. (punkt) and Claire Emery Art.
- Eco-friendly. Sustainable and eco-friendly goods were a top trend in 2020 and continue to be highly coveted. Try unique wholesale products from Wowe Lifestyle, Dharma Dog Karma Cat, and Laconiko.
- Social good. Brands that give to charitable causes make consumers feel good about their purchases. Some of the top wholesale brands in this category are Aid Through Trade and shar.
- Women-owned. At Faire Winter Market 2021, women-owned wholesale brands were the top-purchased value category. Plus, women-owned businesses make up more than 60% of wholesale sellers on Faire. Check out Stacey Day, Borrowed Blu, and Boon Supply.
- Not on Amazon. Delight your customers with novelty by stocking unique wholesale products that can’t be found on Amazon. Try brands like Moira Cosmetics and Stitch Note from this category.
- Organic. Materials matter. Choose to stock wholesale brands that use organic materials, such as Wildland Organics, Jahmu Chai, and Bee’s Wrap.
- Small batch. Goods that are made in small batches are often higher quality than similar products that are mass produced. Explore unique wholesale products that are made in small batches. Popular brands in this category include Fire Department Coffee and PETIPET.
2. Buy from international wholesale brands
We know that products made in the USA are popular among U.S.-based consumers—and likewise, products made in Canada do well in Canadian shops.
However, adding high-quality goods from international markets to your inventory can be just as appealing to your customer base. Stocking wholesale brands from around the world gives your customers exposure to products they won’t find elsewhere. To create an exciting and diverse assortment, buy products from both local and international wholesale brands.
For example, try brands that are based in the United Kingdom, or products that are made in Canada and Europe. A few international brands we love include Kinshipped, Lynn & Liana Serveware, and Polli Pots.
3. Select wholesale brands that are fair-trade certified
The Fair Trade Federation (FTF) is a nonprofit trade association for businesses committed to equitable and sustainable practices that aims to promote a system of fair wages and long-term, direct trading relationships based on dialogue, transparency, equity, and respect.
As part of the global fair trade movement, the Fair Trade Federation shares a vision of a world in which justice, equity, and sustainable development are at the heart of trade structures and practices so that everyone, through their work, can maintain a decent and dignified livelihood.
The Fair Trade Federation traces its roots back to the late 1970s when individual alternative trade organizations began holding yearly conferences for groups working in fair trade. Since then, the FTF has focused on supporting fully committed businesses to expanding markets for artisans and farmers around the world.
The FTF is a vibrant community of over 250 U.S. and Canadian businesses and organizations, and many members of the federation are wholesale brands. You can buy wholesale products from fair trade brands and delight your customers with worldly, ethical goods.
A few fair trade wholesale brands we love include Sobremesa by Greenheart, Ten Thousand Villages, and Mayan Hands.
4. Choose unique wholesale products from curated collections
A nudge in the right direction can help you make good choices when it comes to finding wholesale brands. Curated collections, such as those found on Faire, can help guide your buying. A few examples of helpful collections include:
- For the Foodie. If your customers love sweet and savory goodies, browse this collection and discover new products they’ll love. Try wholesale brands like Runamok Maple and Willa’s Shortbread.
- For the Staycationer. Help your customers relax with both fun and indulgent products for the home. Explore unique wholesale products from Sonoma Lavender, Yard Games, and FLÎKR Fireplace.
- For the Green Thumb. Explore products that plant parents are sure to enjoy. Browse brands including Tal & Bert and Flora Bundle.
- As Seen on SHOPPE BLACK. We partnered with content creators Tony Lawson and Shantrelle Lewis to curate a collection of Black-owned businesses. Check out the collection, which features wholesale brands like FOLKUS and BlackTravelBox.
- Curated by AMP Beauty LA. This collection, curated in partnership with AMP Beauty LA, features beauty products for every tone and texture. Shop brands including Sistine, AJCRIMSON Beauty, and KAZMALEJE.
Stock your store today
On Faire, you can shop by value and geographic location while gaining access to thoughtfully curated collections. Start browsing at faire.com.
