What general merchandise means for a convenience store

General merchandise is the non-food, non-tobacco product a store sells at the counter and on the aisle. It covers the everyday needs a customer remembers at the register, like a phone charger or a pack of batteries.

Most GM has a long shelf life compared with candy and snacks, so a small set can hang on a pegboard or clip strip until it sells. A common setup is a few fast movers by the register and a short aisle section for the rest. The same setup works in convenience stores, gas stations, and liquor stores.

Common GM categories stores stock

Gokul's GM assortment falls into five groups. The brands named here are in Gokul's current inventory; check the catalog for current items and pack options.

  • Batteries and electronics: Duracell AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V batteries; Warner wall chargers, car chargers, and phone cables; USB-C, Lightning, and micro-USB cables.
  • Household basics: utility tape, instant glue, and similar quick-stop items.
  • Fun and games: Bicycle and Bee playing cards, dice, and squeeze toys for the impulse rack.
  • Party supplies: party cups, paper and foam plates, gift bags, and shot glasses.
  • Kitchen and bar tools: Fujima bottle openers, corkscrews, and bartender tools, plus foam coolers.

How GM fits with store supplies

GM and store supplies are both non-food items you restock on a schedule. Add batteries and chargers to an order of cups, bags, and receipt paper, and the counter and the supply shelf get refilled at once.

See store supplies for bags and thermal register paper, and the plastic cups page for cups. The checkout counter essentials guide covers what to keep by the register, and the small-store assortment guide helps you size a GM set to your shelf space.

How ordering works with Gokul

Gokul is account-based, so you open a wholesale account before you order. Once you're approved, place a full order online after you sign in, or by phone, text, or WhatsApp at (630) 540-9910.

The public catalog shows the assortment without wholesale prices; account holders sign in to see pricing. GM, candy and snacks, beverages, and store supplies can all go on one order.

Delivery and pickup

Same-week delivery routes cover Cook, DuPage, Lake, McHenry, DeKalb, and Will counties, and delivery orders have a $500 minimum.

Pickup at 1141 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Itasca, IL 60143 is free with no minimum. Warehouse hours are Mon–Fri 9AM–6PM and Sat 10AM–4PM; closed Sunday. Delivery timing is confirmed with your order. See the delivery page, or call sales with your store address to confirm your route.

Open an account

Apply online or walk in to the Itasca warehouse to open an account. There's no fee to apply, and you'll get an email when the account is approved.

You'll need your business name, contact information, and business address; your FEIN/EIN and state tax ID are optional. Sales may ask for resale, tax, and license documents during approval. Sales are for licensed retail businesses, 21+.

Start on the open an account page, or reach the sales desk by phone, text, or WhatsApp at (630) 540-9910 or by email at [email protected].

FAQ

What counts as general merchandise for a c-store?

General merchandise is the non-food, non-tobacco product sold at the counter and on the aisle: batteries, phone chargers and cables, playing cards and small toys, party supplies, and bar tools.

Does Gokul sell general merchandise to convenience stores and gas stations?

Yes. Gokul Wholesale Inc sells GM to licensed Illinois convenience stores, gas stations, and liquor stores with an approved account. Brands include Duracell batteries, Warner chargers and cables, Bicycle and Bee playing cards, and Fujima bar tools; see the catalog for current items.

Can I combine general merchandise with snacks, beverages, and supplies on one order?

They all go on the same order and ship together on one delivery.

Do you deliver general merchandise orders in Chicagoland?

GM ships on same-week delivery routes in Cook, DuPage, Lake, McHenry, DeKalb, and Will counties, with a $500 delivery minimum. Pickup in Itasca is free with no minimum.

Do I need an account to buy?

Yes. Gokul sells only to licensed retailers with an approved account. Apply online or walk in to the Itasca warehouse to open one; there's no fee to apply.