Kole Imports Review: Pricing, Pros, Cons & Alternatives

Overview

Kole Imports is a family-owned direct importer and distributor of general merchandise, variety goods and closeouts, owned and managed by the same family since 1985^[9]. It describes itself as one of the largest direct importers of general merchandise in the US^[9].

The company imports large quantities from overseas manufacturers, warehouses them, and sells to wholesalers and retailers^[9]. Its 250,000 sq ft warehouse in Los Angeles holds millions of pieces of merchandise, and it states a 99.7% fill rate and tens of thousands of in-stock items serving many industries^[9]. Buyers in the area can visit a 10,000 sq ft showroom, and sales are wholesale only^[9].

The model suits dollar and discount stores and other businesses that need inexpensive goods in case quantities. Unlike marketplace platforms, Kole holds its own stock, so orders ship from one warehouse in the US without import paperwork for the buyer. The trade-off is a catalogue of budget and closeout goods rather than branded or premium products.