Every store needs restocking — and in-building grocery stores restock a lot. They are small, fast-turning points of sale that sell every day to the same customers and buy the same items again every week.
For distributors and wholesalers, that is a new kind of small retail customer. This guide covers who these buyers are, how they buy today and what it takes to serve them well.
Who the buyer is: the in-building store seller
With HomeMarket, the seller is a resident who keeps a small inventory in their own apartment and delivers to neighbors in the same building within minutes. They work from home, handle buying, pricing and delivery, and decide what to stock based on what neighbors order.
- Buys little at a time, because space at home is limited and working capital is small.
- Buys often, because convenience items turn fast.
- Needs a margin, because they sell at convenience prices but compete with the corner store.
- Values time: every trip to a club store is time away from the store.
How this channel buys today
| Channel | Upside for the seller | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Warehouse club | Price and variety | Takes a trip and time; bulk pack sizes |
| Neighborhood grocer | Close and fast | Retail prices, thinner margin |
| Distributor | Delivery and category mixes | Minimums designed for bigger stores |
A distributor that adapts minimums, routes and mix to this profile solves something the club store does not: restocking without leaving home.
How a distributor can serve in-building grocery stores
Build a convenience mix
Drinks, pantry staples, snacks, cleaning and personal care in replenishment sizes, not bulk.
Adjust the minimum order
A lower minimum, offset by frequency and grouped routes, fits a small seller’s cash flow.
Group deliveries by area
Stores in the same neighborhood and the same buildings allow short routes and fixed delivery days.
Make ordering easy
A simple price list, ordering by text or through the platform, and predictable lead times.
Become a HomeMarket supply partner
Register your business to be introduced to sellers in your delivery area.
What HomeMarket offers distributors
The HomeMarket seller app already organizes restocking: it tracks what sold, flags what is running low and builds shopping lists. We are opening that step to supply partners region by region, starting where stores are opening in large apartment and condo buildings.
To join the first group, register on the page for distributors. Brands and brokers have their own pages.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth serving customers who buy so little?
It is when deliveries are grouped: several stores close together, on fixed days, add up to regular volume. Frequent reorders make up for the smaller ticket of each one.
Do HomeMarket sellers have a business entity?
It varies — many start as individuals or sole proprietors. Agree with each seller on the invoicing your business accepts.
Where does HomeMarket need distributors in the US?
The network is being built in metros with many large apartment and condo buildings. Register your delivery area and we will let you know as stores open there.
I want to become a supply partner
Tell us your delivery area and categories. We will reach out as HomeMarket stores open in your area.
Become a partner