If you’ve ever thought wholesale was just about getting into more shops, you might be missing the real opportunity in creating strong retail partnerships.
Many product-based entrepreneurs fill their stockist list with dozens of accounts — only to see inconsistent sales and little to no reorders.
The secret to sustainable wholesale growth? Strong retail partnerships with stores that align with your brand, your niche, and your ideal customer. These core retail partners don’t just place one order — they become loyal accounts because you help them succeed in selling your products.
How to Find Core Retail Partners
- Instagram Research – Search hashtags and geotags where your ideal customers shop, and see who’s tagging brands similar to yours.
- Local Media Lists – Use lifestyle magazines, city guides, and “best boutique” roundups to find aligned retailers.
- Maker Networking – Talk to other makers who serve the same audience with different products.
- In-Person Visits – If local, check the store’s vibe, staff interaction, and merchandising to ensure alignment.
High-Value Strategies for Helping Retail Partners Sell More
- Custom Merchandising Support: Provide display ideas and signage.
- Social Media Collaborations: Co-create posts or reels featuring your products in their shop.
- Launch Event Kits: Send samples or giveaways for customer excitement.
- Staff Product Training: Short videos explaining product benefits.
- Seasonal Marketing Packs: Ready-to-use content timed for peak selling periods.
Nurturing Retail Partnerships
Three to four weeks after delivery, follow up:
- Ask how products are performing.
- Suggest reorders of bestsellers.
- Offer early access to new collections.
- Provide exclusives to deepen the partnership.
Remember: you’re not just a vendor — you’re a sales partner helping them succeed.
The One-Minute DM Strategy
Pick one dream retail partner. Find something you love about their shop — a display, event, or product launch — and send a short, sincere compliment.
No pitch. No catalog. Just connection. This opens the door to a warm, genuine relationship that makes your future outreach far more effective.
By focusing on fewer, better retail partnerships and helping your stores sell more, you’ll build consistent, profitable wholesale revenue while making wholesale a high-reward, low-stress part of your business.
Resources & Links
Create your monthly marketing campaigns in under an hour: Product Marketing Bank
Join the waitlist for my signature She Sells Wholesale course – doors open soon!
Apply for the She Sells Differently Mastermind
Connect with Andee Hart @ She Sells Differently
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