How Kelli’s is streamlining success for retailers across the US
At Kelli’s, convenience isn’t just a catchphrase – it’s the core of the company’s operational model. With easy access to over 5000 products from more than 500 vendors, Kelli’s simplifies the retail supply chain, giving independent gift shops and national retailers a one-stop solution that saves time, lowers costs, and reduces complexity.
With deep roots in the hospital gift shop sector and a 25-year track record, Kelli’s has evolved to serve a broad range of retail environments across the United States. Mike Carter, Vice President of Sales, offers a look into how the company has built trust in the industry and where it’s headed next. 
Turnkey solutions
“We’re primarily a distributor to the gift shop industry, with a focus on independent retailers in hospitals, hotels, airports, and casinos,” Mike opens. “We also support independent pharmacies and other specialty retail formats.”
The value proposition? Simplicity. “Most of our customers could technically purchase directly from the same vendors we use, but that means opening and managing hundreds of accounts,” Mike explains. “With Kelli’s, they can place one order, receive one shipment, and pay one invoice. Everything is consolidated and streamlined.”
With next-business-day shipping, a low minimum order threshold of $100 and discounted freight on orders over $450, Kelli’s services are designed to meet the needs of small and mid-sized retailers. The company also breaks down bulk packaging into smaller case packs of two, three, or six units, instead of the industry standard of 12 or 24 units, offering flexibility that’s often critical for tighter retail footprints.
On top of that, Kelli’s maintains a consistently high in-stock rate of over 97 percent, ensuring retailers can count on product availability when they need it most.
Grab-and-go gifts
Beyond wholesale distribution, Kelli’s is also the creator of Kelliloons, ready-to-gift sets combining plush toys, balloons, and candy, all packaged by hand at its Texas facility. These turnkey gifts cater to retailers looking for low-labor, high-appeal products for occasions like birthdays, new babies, and seasonal holidays.
“We’ve been producing Kelliloons for 15 years, but we’ve really leaned into the line over the past five,” Mike says. “They’re particularly valuable for drugstores and grocery chains that need shelf-ready, pre-priced gifts with no assembly required.”
Major chains like CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and Publix have seen more than $10 million in incremental sales and profits driven by the product line.
Quality and consistency are key differentiators. Balloons are pre-inflated and tested for durability, and the company uses premium plush toys, name-brand candies, and sturdy containers to ensure strong visual appeal and retail readiness.
Kelli’s also offers a high degree of customization. Retailers can choose from more than 150 candy options, adjust balloon designs, or develop entirely new gift sets. “If a customer has a vision, we’ll bring it to life,” Mike states.
Reliability is another hallmark. “In over five years of working with large national retailers, we’ve shipped every Kelliloon order on time and in full,” he notes.
Diversification and expansion
While Kelli’s made its name in hospital gift shops, the company has since broadened its reach to include hotel boutiques, airport stores, casino retailers, and independent pharmacies. Strategic growth has come both organically and through the launch of new divisions.
Kelli’s connection to hospital gift shop operations runs deep. Owners Mike and Lori Cohen pioneered the outsourced gift shop model back in 1982, growing the former company to 152 stores across 23 states before exiting to focus on Kelli’s. With decades of unmatched expertise in this niche, few, if any, know the hospital gift shop business better.
When the couple’s son recognized an opportunity during the Covid-19 pandemic, the decision to reenter the hospital retail space felt like a natural evolution. That insight gave rise to Cloverkey, a retail management division that now operates over 38 hospital gift shops across 14 states. “During the pandemic, several hospitals approached us about taking over their gift shop operations,” Mike explains. “That opened the door for us to return to retail management in a meaningful way.”
Another offshoot is Lucky Stitch, Kelli’s in-house embroidery service, which offers customized apparel and hard goods, expanding the company’s ability to serve diverse merchandising needs.
The road ahead
Looking forward, Kelli’s is investing in systems and technology aimed at improving operational efficiency. “We’re upgrading infrastructure to ensure we remain cost-effective while continuing to deliver best-in-class service,” Mike reveals.
Channel diversification is also central to the company’s strategy. Whether through distribution, direct-to-store programs, retail management, or customization services, Kelli’s is focused on delivering comprehensive solutions that empower retailers to succeed.
The Kelli’s difference
Kelli’s offers an assortment of over 5000 products across key categories from more than 500 vendor partners, but provides streamlined ordering, allowing customers to purchase via a single order, one invoice, and one shipment. With flexible purchasing and fast shipping options, Kelli’s offers an excellent all-round customer experience.
“Our mission is to be the easiest, most reliable, and most complete supplier for gift shops in the US,” Mike concludes. “Whether supporting a single location or a multi-state chain, we’re committed to helping our customers succeed, with speed, flexibility, and follow-through.”