HJ Closeouts has built a strong reputation in the wholesale liquidation market by catering to one of the most overlooked segments of the retail supply chain—small and medium-sized buyers who need access to brand-name merchandise without committing to bulk truckload purchases. Based in Palatine, Illinois, the company operates as a full-service closeout wholesaler, providing general merchandise in manageable case quantities that allow independent retailers, e-commerce sellers, and flea market vendors to stay competitive without the risk of overstocking.
Founded by Howard Jacobs in the early 1980s, HJ Closeouts started as a traditional surplus buyer serving discount stores in the Midwest. Over the decades, it evolved into a national distributor known for its transparency, fast shipping, and extensive catalog that spans categories including household goods, personal care, apparel, stationery, and toys. The company’s model centers on affordability, flexibility, and accessibility—core values that distinguish it from larger liquidation platforms that often favor bulk buyers.
One of HJ Closeouts’ defining strengths is its focus on small-lot orders. The company lists all products by the case on its website, eliminating the need for minimum order thresholds or wholesale memberships. Retailers can purchase quantities as low as a single case, a feature particularly valuable for small stores, online sellers, and pop-up retailers testing new product lines. This small-lot accessibility enables new businesses to enter the resale market with limited capital and reduced inventory risk.
HJ Closeouts sources merchandise from major U.S. retailers, importers, and manufacturers seeking efficient liquidation channels for excess or discontinued stock. The company regularly offers products from well-known consumer brands, often priced at a fraction of original retail value. Every item is clearly described and photographed, with accurate quantity and packaging details—an approach that reflects its emphasis on trust and transparency in a market that can often be opaque.
The company’s logistics capabilities support a fast-moving wholesale environment. Operating out of a large warehouse in Illinois, HJ Closeouts ships nationwide and offers international export options for bulk buyers. Orders are typically fulfilled within one business day, giving small retailers the ability to restock quickly and maintain steady cash flow.
In addition to serving brick-and-mortar stores, HJ Closeouts has become a key supplier for digital resellers operating on platforms such as eBay, Amazon, and Poshmark. These entrepreneurs rely on small, frequent shipments of assorted merchandise to maintain online inventory rotation. By providing competitively priced, ready-to-ship lots, the company supports the growing ecosystem of independent e-commerce sellers who operate outside traditional retail channels.
HJ Closeouts’ website functions as both a marketplace and an educational hub. Its transparent product listings and straightforward ordering system simplify the wholesale buying process for newcomers unfamiliar with closeout purchasing. The company also posts regular updates highlighting new arrivals and clearance opportunities, allowing customers to react quickly to changes in availability.
At a time when supply-chain constraints and excess inventory continue to shape retail economics, HJ Closeouts fills an essential gap between large-scale distributors and individual entrepreneurs. By focusing on small-lot flexibility, consistent service, and honest pricing, the company has become a trusted partner to thousands of resellers across the United States.
Through its customer-first model and decades-long expertise, HJ Closeouts continues to demonstrate that wholesale success isn’t only about volume—it’s about accessibility, adaptability, and helping small retailers compete in a constantly evolving marketplace.