If you own a furniture store, buying your furniture and inventory at wholesale prices is key to profitability.
Wholesale prices allow you to purchase in large quantities, reducing your per-unit cost.
This enables you to offer competitive retail prices while still maintaining healthy profit margins.
Purchasing in bulk also helps ensure you have enough stock to meet customer demand without frequent restocking, reducing shipping costs.
Interestingly, many wholesalers offer discounts or special deals for bulk orders, further improving your bottom line.
But note that as a furniture store owner, before settling for any of the places discussed, you should compare pricing and shipping terms from different sources to find the best deals, taking into account product quality, variety, and customer service.
Where Furniture Stores Buy Their Furniture at Wholesale Price
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Direct Manufacturers
Many furniture stores buy directly from manufacturers to enjoy the lowest possible wholesale prices.
Working with manufacturers eliminates middlemen, allowing stores to negotiate bulk discounts, customize designs, and secure a consistent supply.
Manufacturers often offer tiered pricing based on order volume, meaning larger purchases equal better profit margins.
This option is ideal for stores wanting exclusive collections or private-label furniture.
Direct sourcing also ensures better quality control and faster communication regarding production timelines, materials, and design modifications.
Although minimum order requirements may be high, the long-term benefits include stronger supplier relationships and higher profitability for retailers.
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Wholesale Furniture Distributors
Wholesale distributors serve as middlemen between manufacturers and retailers, offering access to a wide range of furniture styles and brands.
They are ideal for new furniture stores that cannot meet strict manufacturer minimum order quantities.
Distributors typically carry various categories such as living room sets, bedroom furniture, office furniture, and décor accessories.
They provide faster shipping and lower upfront costs, allowing retailers to stock diverse inventory without large investments.
Many distributors also offer drop-shipping services, reducing warehousing needs.
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Furniture Trade Shows
Trade shows such as High Point Market, Las Vegas Market, and Toronto Furniture Show are prime locations for retailers to source wholesale furniture.
Exhibitors include global manufacturers showcasing new collections, allowing store owners to discover unique products first.
Trade shows offer special pricing, bulk discounts, and show-only deals that are not available year-round.
Retailers can see, touch, and test furniture quality before ordering, reducing risks.
They can also meet suppliers face-to-face, negotiate directly, and build long-term partnerships.
Trade shows provide industry insights, design inspiration, and networking opportunities.
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Online Wholesale Marketplaces
Platforms like Alibaba, DHgate, and GlobalSources offer access to thousands of manufacturers worldwide.
Furniture retailers can browse catalogs, compare suppliers, request samples, and negotiate wholesale pricing online.
These platforms allow stores to source modern, rustic, office, children’s, and outdoor furniture at factory-direct prices.
Many suppliers also allow private labeling and customization. Although the shipping process may take longer and import duties may apply, the cost savings are often substantial.
Online wholesale marketplaces make sourcing scalable and flexible, especially for stores wishing to diversify inventory without traveling.
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Local Furniture Manufacturers
Some retailers prefer sourcing from local furniture makers due to their proximity, faster delivery, and easier communication.
Local manufacturers often allow small order quantities, making them ideal for new or boutique furniture stores.
They can also customize pieces, create unique designs, and respond quickly to trends.
Buying locally supports the local economy and reduces transportation costs and risks.
Additionally, local suppliers provide better quality assurance since retailers can visit workshops and inspect production directly.
Although local manufacturing may cost slightly more, the ability to offer handcrafted or region-specific pieces can differentiate your store from larger competitors.
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Furniture Importers
Furniture importers specialize in bringing international furniture into the country in bulk, giving retailers access to global designs without managing the logistics themselves.
Importers handle shipping, customs clearance, insurance, and storage, making the process simpler for store owners.
Retailers can choose from collections imported from countries known for quality craftsmanship, like Malaysia, Vietnam, China, Turkey, and India.
Importers usually offer competitive wholesale pricing because they buy container loads directly from manufacturers.
This option is ideal for stores seeking exotic, stylish, or globally inspired furniture.
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Liquidation and Overstock Suppliers
Liquidation companies buy excess inventory, discontinued items, customer returns, and overstock products from major retail brands.
Furniture stores can purchase these items at deeply discounted wholesale prices, sometimes up to 70% off retail.
This option is ideal for budget-friendly stores, discount warehouses, or stores wanting to offer competitive pricing.
Liquidation goods come from well-known brands, which can attract bargain-hunting customers.
However, retailers must inspect items carefully for defects or cosmetic flaws.
Buying from overstock suppliers helps stores diversify inventory at low cost, increase profit margins, and offer unique, brand-name products without high upfront investment.
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Dropshipping Furniture Suppliers
Dropshipping allows furniture stores to sell items without physically stocking inventory.
Suppliers handle shipping directly to customers, eliminating warehousing and logistics costs.
Retailers only pay wholesale prices when a sale is made, reducing financial risk.
Dropshipping is ideal for online furniture stores or small shops with limited space.
Suppliers often offer thousands of SKUs, allowing stores to carry a wide assortment of styles. Although profit margins are slightly lower, overhead expenses are minimal.
Dropshipping also allows stores to test new designs without committing to large inventory purchases, making it a flexible and cost-effective sourcing method.
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Regional Wholesale Furniture Warehouses
Wholesale warehouses operate large storage centers stocked with furniture ready for purchase.
Retailers can walk in, inspect items, and buy immediately without waiting for overseas shipping.
Warehouses typically carry bulk quantities of sofas, dining sets, beds, and accent pieces in various styles.
Prices are competitive because warehouses buy in bulk directly from manufacturers.
Retailers benefit from fast delivery, no minimum order quantities, and consistent restocking.
This sourcing method is perfect for stores needing immediate inventory or fulfilling sudden customer demand.
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Upholstery and Custom Workrooms
Some furniture stores buy from local upholstery shops or custom workrooms to offer unique, handcrafted, or made-to-order pieces.
These suppliers specialize in sofas, chairs, headboards, benches, and custom-built furniture using premium materials.
Although prices may be slightly higher than mass-produced wholesale furniture, custom work increases a store’s brand value and attracts customers seeking personalized pieces.
Workrooms allow retailers to choose fabrics, finishes, and designs that differentiate their inventory. They also offer flexibility with small order quantities.
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International Furniture Fairs
International fairs such as the China International Furniture Fair (CIFF), Milan Furniture Fair, and Malaysia Furniture Fair offer wholesalers and retailers direct access to global furniture suppliers.
These events showcase cutting-edge designs, trending materials, and innovative craftsmanship.
Retailers can negotiate pricing directly with manufacturers, request customizations, and arrange long-term supply contracts.
International fairs offer some of the best wholesale deals because suppliers compete for large orders.
Attending these events also exposes retailers to global market trends, helping them stay competitive.
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Craft Markets and Artisan Cooperatives
Stores that want unique, handmade, or rustic-style furniture often source from artisan cooperatives and craft markets.
Artisans create handcrafted pieces from reclaimed wood, natural materials, or local designs that appeal to customers seeking authenticity. Wholesale pricing is often flexible because artisans appreciate bulk buying.
These partnerships support small craftsmen while helping stores offer rare products that stand out from mass-produced items.
Retailers can request custom designs or exclusive collections tailored to their brand.
Although quantities may be limited, the craftsmanship and uniqueness of these items attract customers to pay premium prices.
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Business-to-Business (B2B) Wholesale Platforms
Platforms like Faire, Tundra, and Wayfair Professional allow retailers to buy furniture at wholesale prices directly from vetted suppliers.
These B2B platforms provide access to thousands of SKUs, competitive pricing, free shipping deals, and flexible payment terms.
They also simplify ordering, tracking, and inventory management through user-friendly dashboards.
Many platforms offer net payment terms, such as Net-30, allowing stores to receive inventory without upfront payment. This helps retailers maintain cash flow while stocking their showroom.
B2B platforms are ideal for furniture stores seeking convenience, transparency, and a wide product selection from multiple global suppliers.
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Local Woodworkers and Independent Builders
Partnering with local woodworkers allows furniture stores to offer handcrafted, customized, or premium-quality wooden pieces.
These independent builders create dining tables, chairs, cabinets, shelves, and bed frames using durable materials and expert craftsmanship.
Although costs are higher than factory-made furniture, stores benefit from exclusive designs, higher margins, and competitive differentiation. Local builders often allow small batches, reducing inventory costs.
They also accommodate custom orders for customers, giving your store added flexibility.
Retailers who value sustainability can highlight locally sourced wood and handcrafted production, appealing to eco-conscious buyers.
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Clearance Auctions and Wholesale Furniture Auctions
Wholesale furniture auctions offer retailers the chance to buy high-quality items at extremely low prices.
Auctions feature overstock items, showroom models, brand returns, hotel furniture liquidation, and closeout inventory. Retailers can inspect items before bidding.
This sourcing method is ideal for budget-focused stores or discount furniture outlets looking to maximize profit margins.
Auctions also provide access to unique or rare pieces that may no longer be manufactured.
Although products may vary in condition, careful selection ensures great value.