S&S Activewear – Brands, Warehouses, Company Facts

S&S Activewear has established itself as one of North America’s largest wholesale distributors of blank imprintable apparel, accessories, and uniforms. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Bolingbrook, Illinois, the company operates a network spanning more than 4 million square feet of warehouse space across the United States and Canada. This extensive distribution infrastructure enables the company to offer 1-2 day delivery to a significant portion of North American customers, positioning S&S Activewear as a key supply chain partner for businesses requiring quality blank apparel for customization.

The company traces its origins to a modest 27,000-square-foot operation that focused primarily on T-shirts and fleece products. Under the leadership of owners Paul Rohr and Jeff Adams, the organization underwent a strategic pivot in 1998, expanding its product lines to include corporate apparel, athletic wear, jackets, bags, and headwear through brand partnerships. This transformation laid the groundwork for the company’s dramatic growth trajectory, which would see it become the industry’s third-largest supplier by 2020.

Today, S&S Activewear serves a diverse customer base ranging from concert merchandise vendors and school athletic programs to corporate uniform suppliers and theme park retailers. The company’s technology-enabled distribution model prioritizes accuracy and speed, with a stated mission to inspire growth for customers, employees, and vendors while maintaining commitments to service leadership, relationship-building, innovation, and responsibility. As S&S Activewear continues to expand its reach through strategic initiatives including integration with alphabroder, the distributor remains a central player in the blank apparel wholesale market.

What is S&S Activewear?

Understanding S&S Activewear requires examining both its operational scope and its position within the broader apparel distribution industry. The company operates as a national wholesaler serving the imprintable apparel and uniform markets, distinguishing itself through technology-enabled processes that maintain low error rates and rapid shipping capabilities. Unlike companies that manufacture or print garments, S&S Activewear specializes exclusively in distributing blank products to businesses that add custom decorations through screen printing, embroidery, or other personalization methods.

• Operates over 4 million square feet of warehouse space enabling 1-day shipping to 41 states and 2-day delivery to 98% of the U.S. population
• Ranked as the industry’s third-largest supplier by 2020 with a 21.8% five-year average annual growth rate
• Achieved 30% growth in 2019 and previously reached billion-dollar revenue status by 2020
• Features the deepest inventory in the industry with real-time stock checks available to distributors
• Offers free freight on orders exceeding $200 and net 30 payment terms for qualified accounts
• Recognized with the Inc. Best in Business 2024 award for operational excellence
• Currently integrating with alphabroder to form a premier apparel distribution partnership

What Brands Does S&S Activewear Carry?

The breadth of S&S Activewear’s brand portfolio represents one of its primary competitive advantages in the wholesale distribution market. The company offers access to over 100 distinct brands, a significant expansion from earlier years when the catalog featured approximately 60 brands. This comprehensive selection enables distributors to source products suitable for virtually any market segment or customer preference, from basic everyday wear to premium athletic apparel.

Premium Athletic and Outdoor Brands

S&S Activewear holds exclusive distribution agreements with several major athletic and outdoor brands, positioning the company as a preferred source for high-performance apparel. The exclusive distribution partnerships include adidas, Columbia, and Under Armour, three brands recognized globally for quality athletic and outdoor wear. These exclusive arrangements mean that authorized distributors purchasing through S&S Activewear can access authentic products from these sought-after brands without navigating complex direct manufacturer relationships.

Core Product Categories

Beyond the premium brands, S&S Activewear’s catalog encompasses the complete spectrum of blank imprintable apparel needed by customization businesses. The product lines include blank sportswear designed for athletic teams and fitness customers, corporate apparel suitable for workplace uniforms and company stores, and fashion-forward styles that appeal to retail and promotional merchandise buyers. Additionally, the company offers headwear, fleece garments, and accessories that complement the core apparel offerings.

Customer Segments Served

The diversity of S&S Activewear’s brand portfolio supports service to varied customer segments with distinct needs. Concert merchandise producers source blank garments for custom print runs at live events. School athletic programs and youth sports leagues obtain team uniforms through S&S relationships with team apparel distributors. Marathon and race event organizers procure participant shirts and merchandise. Corporate clients establish company stores for employee apparel programs, while theme parks and entertainment venues secure branded merchandise for retail locations. This market versatility demonstrates how the brand selection directly enables business model flexibility.

Where Are S&S Activewear Warehouses Located?

The geographic distribution of S&S Activewear’s warehouse network forms a critical component of the company’s value proposition. With facilities totaling over 4 million square feet across the United States and Canada, the company has strategically positioned storage locations to minimize shipping times to customers throughout North America. This infrastructure supports 1-day shipping to 41 states and 2-day delivery coverage reaching 98% of the U.S. population.

United States Distribution Centers

The company’s primary headquarters facility is located at 220 Remington Boulevard in Bolingbrook, Illinois. Beyond the headquarters, S&S Activewear maintains major distribution centers in several key locations. The Lockport, Illinois facility encompasses 750,000 square feet and holds LEED silver certification for energy efficiency, representing the company’s commitment to sustainable operations. The Kansas City location, opened in 2016, provides 473,000 square feet of storage capacity serving the central United States. Additional southern distribution is handled through facilities in Atlanta, Georgia, and Fort Worth, Texas, which were established during 2017-2018. The New Jersey facility was expanded by 187,000 square feet to enhance East Coast delivery capabilities.

Canadian Operations

S&S Activewear’s entry into the Canadian market occurred through the 2019 acquisition of Technosport Canada, establishing physical presence without relying solely on cross-border shipping. The Canadian distribution network includes fulfillment centers in Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec, enabling efficient delivery to customers across Canada’s provinces. This strategic positioning allows Canadian imprinters to access the same brand portfolio available to U.S. customers while benefiting from domestic shipping speeds and reduced customs complexity.

S&S Activewear Company Timeline

The evolution of S&S Activewear from a regional T-shirt supplier to North America’s leading blank apparel distributor reflects strategic decisions and sustained growth investments over more than three decades. Understanding this progression provides context for the company’s current market position and future direction.

1. 1988 – S&S Activewear founded as a regional T-shirt and fleece supplier operating from a 27,000-square-foot facility
2. 1991 – Jim Shannon joins the company as controller, later rising to become president and driving subsequent growth
3. 1998 – Strategic pivot under owners Paul Rohr and Jeff Adams expands product lines to include corporate apparel, athletic wear, jackets, bags, and headwear through brand partnerships
4. 2016 – Major brand consolidation under unified S&S identity; Kansas City distribution center opens (473,000 sq ft)
5. 2017 – Atlanta distribution facility established for southeastern U.S. coverage
6. 2018 – Fort Worth, Texas distribution center opens, completing southern U.S. network
7. 2019 – Acquisition of Technosport Canada establishes international presence; company achieves 30% annual growth and billion-dollar revenue status
8. 2019 – Lockport, Illinois LEED-certified facility (750,000 sq ft) opens as company flagship sustainability location
9. 2020 – S&S Activewear achieves industry ranking as third-largest supplier with 21.8% five-year average annual growth rate
10. 2024 – Company recognized with Inc. Best in Business 2024 award; revenue reported at $380 million
11. 2024 – Integration with alphabroder announced to enhance product offerings, technology, supply chain, and employee investments

What Information Is Verified Versus Uncertain?

When researching S&S Activewear, distinguishing between confirmed information and estimates provides clarity about data reliability for business planning and reporting purposes.

The Blank Apparel Distribution Industry Context

S&S Activewear operates within the specialized segment of the apparel industry dedicated to blank garments intended for subsequent customization. This sector serves screen printers, embroidery shops, promotional product distributors, and businesses requiring branded uniforms. Unlike retail apparel companies that sell finished garments, wholesale blank distributors like S&S Activewear provide inventory that customers decorate through their own production processes.

The competitive landscape for blank apparel distribution includes several major players. S&S Activewear’s primary competitors include BSN SPORTS and SanMar, both established national distributors with extensive product catalogs and regional warehouse networks. S&S distinguishes itself through its exclusive brand partnerships, particularly in athletic and outdoor categories, and through its substantial warehouse infrastructure enabling rapid fulfillment. Those interested in broader industry comparisons may find value in exploring our comprehensive resource on wholesale distribution options.

The broader blank apparel market has experienced consolidation pressures, with distributors seeking scale advantages through expanded brand portfolios and geographic coverage. S&S Activewear’s integration with alphabroder reflects this trend, as combined operations aim to create a premier distribution partner with enhanced capabilities across products, technology, supply chain management, and workforce development.

How to Work with S&S Activewear

For businesses seeking to source blank apparel through S&S Activewear, the distribution relationship operates through established wholesale channels rather than direct consumer sales. The company exclusively serves distributors and decorators who purchase products for resale or custom decoration services.

“Our mission is to inspire growth for our customers, employees, and vendors.” — S&S Activewear company mission statement

Distributors access inventory, pricing, and account management through the S&S Activewear official website, where real-time stock availability enables accurate order planning. The company offers free freight on orders exceeding $200 and provides net 30 payment terms for qualified business accounts, facilitating cash flow management for smaller distribution operations.

Career opportunities at S&S Activewear are promoted through the company’s recruitment initiative titled “Become a Part of the S&S Team,” emphasizing professional growth and alignment with organizational values. Job seekers can explore opportunities across distribution, technology, sales, and corporate functions through the company’s career portal.

Summary: S&S Activewear at a Glance

S&S Activewear stands as a pivotal player in North America’s blank apparel distribution infrastructure, connecting major brand manufacturers with the decorators, screen printers, and promotional product companies that serve end consumers. From humble beginnings in 1988 to current operations spanning 4 million square feet across nine facilities, the company has built its reputation on inventory depth, shipping speed, and technology-enabled accuracy. With exclusive distribution rights to premium athletic brands and a strategic integration underway with alphabroder, S&S Activewear appears positioned for continued influence in how customized apparel reaches markets from concert venues to corporate campuses. For businesses evaluating blank apparel suppliers, the company’s scale, brand portfolio, and delivery capabilities represent substantive factors warranting consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions