Ever walked into a home decor store and thought, Where do home decor stores get their merchandise?
From those soft throw pillows to eye-catching wall art, it feels like decor stores always have the perfect items.
But there’s more to it than meets the eye—sourcing those products is a skill all on its own.
Whether you’re a homeowner wanting to know the secret or a design pro curious about where your favorite stores get their inventory, this blog will break down the process and show you how it all works.
Why Sourcing Matters in Home Decor
At the core of most home decor stores’ inventory is a group of wholesale suppliers. But what exactly does that mean? Wholesale suppliers are companies that sell products in bulk to stores at a lower price. These suppliers help stores keep their shelves stocked with everything from furniture to little decorative pieces. They play a huge role in the bigger picture by providing stores with the products they need to create the perfect shopping experience for their customers.
In home decor, sourcing isn’t just about filling shelves, it’s about creating a whole experience. The items a store chooses help shape its look, feel, and connection to its customers. Whether it’s eco-friendly, handcrafted goods or sleek, modern designs, the way a store sources its products influences its reputation and how happy its customers are.
Quality, uniqueness, and trends are key. As homeowners and designers follow new styles, stores have to find pieces that fit the latest looks while keeping the quality high. It’s a tricky balance, but when done well, it builds trust and keeps people coming back.
Common Ways Home Decor Stores Source Their Merchandise
Home decor stores use a few different methods to find their products, each with its own perks. Let’s break down the most popular ones:
Direct from Manufacturers
One of the easiest answers to where do home decor stores get their merchandise is by working directly with manufacturers. This means they cut out the middleman and can often get better prices, custom designs, and unique products you won’t find anywhere else. Stores that want to create exclusive lines or custom pieces love this method because it gives them more control over what they offer and ensures high quality.
Some stores even source from manufacturers overseas, finding one-of-a-kind items in places like Asia or Europe. This approach helps them offer products that stand out and match their brand’s look and feel.
Working with Wholesale Suppliers
Many home decor stores rely on wholesale suppliers to stock their shelves. Wholesale suppliers offer products in bulk at discounted rates, making it easier for stores to buy a lot of items at once without breaking the bank. This is especially helpful for new stores or those that want a wide range of products without managing multiple manufacturer relationships.
Popular online platforms like Wholesale Deals, eSources, and SaleHoo Wholesale are great for finding wholesale products—from furniture to small decor items. These platforms help stores switch up their inventory often while keeping costs low.
Tip: Attending trade shows is a great way to meet wholesale suppliers and discover new products.
Trade Shows and Fairs
Trade shows are treasure troves for home decor store owners. These events bring together suppliers, artisans, and designers who show off their latest products. By attending, store owners can connect with suppliers, spot new trends, and get first dibs on exclusive items.
Events like Homebuilding & Renovating Show, Decorex International, and the Olympia Beauty Show are huge in the decor world. They offer everything from luxury furniture to small decorative pieces. Plus, trade shows let owners see and feel products in person, making it easier to keep quality high and choose items that fit their store’s style.
Local Artisans and Designers
Many stores work with local artisans and designers to offer unique, handmade pieces. But where do home decor stores get their merchandise beyond these local sources? This approach gives them an edge by stocking one-of-a-kind products that customers won’t find in big-box stores. It’s also great for stores looking to support sustainability and local economies.
Shoppers today love items with a story behind them, like a handwoven rug or a custom-made table from a local woodworker. Sourcing from local talent not only sets a store apart but also helps promote ethical and eco-friendly business practices.
Online Marketplaces and Dropshipping
With the rise of e-commerce, some home decor stores now turn to online marketplaces and dropshipping. Dropshipping is when a store doesn’t hold inventory—when a customer orders something, the store buys it from a third party, who then ships it directly to the customer.
This is a great option for small or new stores because it cuts down on inventory costs and risks. Stores can offer a wide range of products without having to stock them all. Platforms like Shopify and Oberlo make it easy for store owners to set up and run a dropshipping business.
While it’s convenient and low-risk, dropshipping does have some downsides. Store owners have less control over product quality and shipping times, which can lead to customer service issues. Still, it’s a good option for stores wanting to test different products or grow quickly.
Key Considerations When Sourcing Home Decor Merchandise
Finding the right products isn’t just about scoring the best deals. Home decor stores need to think about a few important things when choosing where to get their merchandise.
Quality Control
Keeping quality high is essential. If a store consistently sells poor-quality items, it risks losing customer trust. Stores often check suppliers by requesting samples, visiting factories, or relying on recommendations from trusted sources. Ensuring that products are well-made and durable is key to maintaining a good reputation.
Shipping and Lead Times
Shipping home decor items, especially bulky furniture, can be expensive and take a long time. Stores need to consider shipping costs, delivery times, and logistics, especially when sourcing from other countries. Long shipping times can mess up inventory planning, so stores should plan ahead and stay in close contact with their suppliers to avoid running out of stock.
Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
More customers are looking for eco-friendly and ethically sourced products. Stores are increasingly choosing suppliers who use sustainable materials and fair labor practices. Offering products that align with customers’ values isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s also good for business.
Types of Wholesale Suppliers for Home Decor
There are several types of wholesale suppliers catering to the home decor market:
- General Merchandise Wholesalers: These suppliers offer a broad range of home decor items, from furniture to small decorative objects.
- Specialized Wholesalers: Focus on specific categories like lighting, textiles, or wall art.
- Dropshipping Wholesalers: Allow retailers to list products without holding inventory, shipping directly to customers.
- Importers: Specialize in bringing international products to domestic markets.
How Home Decor Stores Work with Wholesalers
Home decor stores and wholesalers work together in a way that benefits both. Here’s a simple breakdown of how they collaborate:
- Product Selection: Home decor stores begin by checking out wholesalers’ catalogs or attending trade shows where wholesalers display their products. This helps stores find items that fit their style and what their customers want. Seeing a variety of products in one place makes it easier for stores to choose what works for them.
- Ordering: After picking out products, stores place orders with the wholesaler. These orders often have minimum quantity requirements, meaning stores need to buy a certain amount of each item. This helps wholesalers manage their stock and allows stores to get products at lower prices.
- Pricing Strategy: Stores then set retail prices by marking up the wholesale prices. This markup covers their costs and ensures they make a profit. The difference between the wholesale price and the retail price is key to how much money the store makes.
- Inventory Management: Wholesalers often help stores keep their shelves stocked by offering restocking services. When items sell out, the wholesaler can quickly send more, so stores don’t run out of popular products and can keep customers happy.
- Trend Insights: Wholesalers also provide information on the latest trends. This helps stores stay ahead of what’s popular and plan their inventory accordingly, so they’re always offering products that customers want.
Working with wholesalers helps home decor stores offer a wide range of products without having to handle the complexities of manufacturing. But this is just one part of their sourcing strategy. Next, we’ll look at how some stores skip wholesalers and go straight to manufacturers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a wholesaler in the home decor industry?
A wholesaler is a company that buys home decor products in large quantities from manufacturers and sells them in bulk to retailers at lower prices. Think of them as the middleman who helps stores stock up on a wide range of home decor items without paying the higher retail prices.
How do home decor stores choose products from wholesalers?
Home decor stores typically pick products from wholesalers by looking through their catalogs or visiting trade shows where wholesalers display their latest items. This way, stores can find pieces that fit their style and what their customers are looking for.
How do wholesalers provide trend insights to stores?
Wholesalers keep stores in the loop about the latest trends and popular items. They share updates on what’s hot in the market, so stores can adjust their selections to include the most stylish and sought-after decor.
How can stores find reliable wholesalers?
Stores can find trustworthy wholesalers by attending trade shows, browsing online platforms, and asking for recommendations from industry insiders. It’s also a good idea to check out reviews and request samples to make sure the products meet their quality standards.
Conclusion
Home decor stores and wholesalers work together to bring a variety of stylish and quality products to your favorite shops. So, where do home decor stores get their merchandise? Wholesalers help stores find the right items, manage inventory, and stay on top of trends, all while keeping prices down. Understanding this relationship helps you appreciate the effort that goes into selecting the perfect decor for your home.