Why This Matters to Distributors: Evergreen’s closure highlights the growing pressure on independent distributors and smaller cooperatives as scale, supplier leverage and technology investment become increasingly important competitive advantages in wholesale distribution.
Evergreen Supply Network, a member-owned cooperative of 30 independent construction and industrial tool distributors operating more than 217 locations across the U.S., will voluntarily dissolve after 37 years in business.
The organization, formerly known as Evergreen Marketing Group, said its board of directors and leadership team made the decision following a review of the cooperative’s long-term future. Founded in 1989, Evergreen connected independent distributors with more than 100 preferred suppliers of construction and industrial tools and equipment through shared purchasing programs, supplier partnerships, education, and training.
“We are incredibly proud of Evergreen’s legacy and grateful for the dedication of our members, suppliers, employees and partners over the years,” said Jen Miller, CEO of Evergreen Supply Network. “While this chapter is coming to a close, the relationships, knowledge and impact created through Evergreen will continue across the industry.”
Miller said the organization will conduct an orderly wind-down process, including completing remaining business operations and addressing organizational obligations and assets. The board and leadership team said they will continue supporting members and supplier partners through the transition.
Evergreen’s closure reflects broader competitive pressures facing midsize buying groups and regional cooperatives across wholesale distribution. Large national distributors continue expanding their scale, digital capabilities, and supplier leverage, increasing pressure on independent distributors to consolidate, join larger networks or absorb costs that cooperatives historically helped offset.
For Evergreen’s 30-member network, maintaining the supplier leverage and operational infrastructure needed to support a national cooperative model became increasingly difficult in a market increasingly shaped by larger competitors with greater purchasing power and technology investment.
The dissolution also creates immediate challenges for independent distributors that relied on Evergreen’s preferred supplier programs for pricing advantages, product access, and training resources. Those distributors will now need to establish direct supplier relationships or seek alternative buying group affiliations.
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