How to Source Products for Your Shopify Store in NI?

Discover smart, local-first ways to source stock for your Shopify store in Northern Ireland—plus vetted suppliers, trade tips, and startup-friendly events.

Something I get asked regularly when chatting online with future entrepreneur is "where do I source products for my Shopify website?"

Most of the time I suggest a few ideas of where to go but to be real. It's down to them to source the products. I'm here to provide the design, the code and the vibes. Not the products. But with that in mind I thought I would but together this blog post on what I'd do if I was in your shoes. 

So whether you're opening a storefront on Belfast's Ormeau Road or scaling a Shopify beauty empire from Armagh, founders in the North of Ireland always run into the same brick wall: Where do I actually get stock — without blowing my cash flow?

This guide I've put together using my own intuition; it might not be concrete fact, but it's what I'd do if I wanted to launch a new online e-commerce business on Shopify and didn't have a specific product or interest to start with.

Need help with your Shopify journey? We offer UX reviews and strategy consultations to optimize your store. Ready to get started? Place a deposit or explore our starter package today.

Start Hyper-Local First

Get out the door and start talking to other businesses. Chat with bricks-and-mortar shops, ask where they source their stock, be open that you're learning.

Also look at local events connect you with wholesalers, craft fairs, and other businesses. Councils often host "Meet-the-Buyer" sessions—no big minimum orders. Here are a few Northern Ireland events that have already passed but give you a sense of what's possible (and who to DM for coffee next time!).

🛒 Local Makers & Farm Producers (Wholesale-Ready)

Northern Ireland's wholesale landscape is rich with opportunities for Shopify store owners looking to source unique, locally-made products. From artisanal food producers in County Down to craft manufacturers in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter, our region offers a diverse range of wholesale-ready suppliers perfect for e-commerce. These established makers understand modern retail needs, offering flexible MOQs, drop-shipping options, and digital-ready product content that helps your Shopify store stand out in the competitive online marketplace.

These established Northern Irish producers understand the needs of small businesses and offer trade-friendly terms. Many have experience with e-commerce and can support your Shopify journey.

Quick-Turn UK Wholesalers

Access reliable UK-based wholesale suppliers who offer quick turnaround times and flexible ordering options. These established distributors make it easy to start and scale your Shopify inventory.

Working with UK wholesalers can reduce shipping times and costs while providing reliable stock levels for your growing e-commerce business.

Click-and-Go Marketplaces

• Faire – indie brands, Net-60, free returns on first order
• Ankorstore | Creoate – EU indie brands
• Tundra | RangeMe – niche US categories

Trade Shows to Walk in 2025–26

Time to level up your sourcing game! These trade shows are literally the perfect spot to find your next viral product and network with the coolest brands.

Fr fr, these trade shows are the blueprint for finding your next bestsellers. Don't sleep on the networking opportunities - the connections you make here? Absolutely unmatched.

Going Direct to Factories

For those ready to scale their business with maximum profit margins, direct factory sourcing offers the greatest potential rewards—but requires careful planning and due diligence.

Low-Risk Alternatives

Not ready for large inventory commitments? These options let you test the market with minimal upfront investment.

Supplier Vetting 101

Protect your business by thoroughly vetting potential suppliers before making any commitments.

Post-Brexit Logistics & Compliance

Navigate the complexities of post-Brexit trade with these essential considerations for Northern Ireland businesses.

GSPR & Product Safety in Northern Ireland

Ensure your products meet all necessary safety standards and regulatory requirements for the Northern Ireland market.

Fueling Growth: Funding Those First POs

Smart funding strategies can help you launch and scale your product line without overextending your resources.

Ready to take your Shopify store to the next level? Start your custom project today →