The Journal
Notes from the sourcing desk.
Short pieces about how independent wholesale actually works. Written by Amy and the team, mostly on Friday afternoons when the phones go quiet.
Terms
Net-30 vs net-60 for new accounts
When to ask, when to take, and the one question that decides it.
March 2, 2026 · 5 min read
Trade shows
Twelve questions to ask at a trade-show booth
Separating a real working relationship from a stack of catalogs.
February 18, 2026 · 7 min read
Sourcing
Private label without overcommitting
How small grocers and gift shops are putting their names on products without container minimums.
February 4, 2026 · 6 min read
Sourcing
Small-batch vs case-pack — when one wins over the other
How to decide whether to source from a maker who'll break a case or stick with case-pack minimums.
January 24, 2026 · 5 min read
Logistics
Freight class without the headache
An opinionated guide to NMFC classes for the categories independent retail actually ships.
January 10, 2026 · 8 min read
Planning
Seasonal buying cadence for the independent shop
When to write orders for fall, winter holiday, spring and summer if you want to be ahead, not behind.
December 16, 2025 · 6 min read
Sourcing
Working with American makers — what's different
The unspoken differences between buying from a maker and buying from a distributor.
December 1, 2025 · 5 min read