In the fast-paced world of construction, renovation, and maintenance, having a dependable source for electrical supplies can make all the difference. Enter City Electric Supply (CES) USA a powerhouse in the electrical wholesale industry that’s been lighting up projects across the nation since 1983. If you’re a contractor, electrician, builder, or even a DIY enthusiast searching for “electrical supplies wholesale USA,” you’ve likely come across CES.
This family-owned gem stands out for its personalized service, vast inventory, and commitment to going the extra mile. In this comprehensive article, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about City Electric Supply USA, from its rich history to its product offerings, locations, and why it’s a top choice for professionals.
Who is City Electric Supply?
City Electric Supply (CES) is a family-owned wholesale distributor of electrical products serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The company began growing in the 1980s and now operates hundreds of branches across many U.S. states, offering lighting, wiring devices, conduit, motors, tools, and project services. CES positions itself as both a community-focused local branch network and a large-scale supplier capable of supporting big projects.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1983 (third-generation family ownership).
- Headquarters: Dallas, Texas (corporate presence there).
- Scale: Hundreds of branches (500+ locations reported in recent industry summaries) and several thousand employees across the U.S. — giving CES strong local coverage with national reach.
What Products Does City Electric Supply Offer?
When it comes to inventory, City Electric Supply USA doesn’t skimp. They carry a massive selection of electrical products designed for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Whether you’re wiring a new home, outfitting a factory, or upgrading office lighting, CES has you covered. Their wholesale model means competitive pricing without sacrificing quality think brands like Eaton, Leviton, Hubbell, and Siemens.
Key product categories include:
- Wiring and Cable: From Romex for residential jobs to armored cable for industrial settings, CES stocks thousands of feet ready for same-day pickup or delivery.
- Lighting Solutions: LEDs, fluorescents, smart bulbs, and outdoor fixtures. With energy costs rising, their energy-efficient options are a hot seller.
- Tools and Accessories: Everything from wire strippers and multimeters to safety gear like gloves and helmets. Pros love the durability of brands like Klein Tools.
- Conduit and Fittings: PVC, EMT, rigid you name it. Perfect for protecting wiring in harsh environments.
- Switchgear and Panels: Breakers, fuses, and distribution panels for safe power management.
- Automation and Controls: Relays, timers, and PLCs for modern smart systems.
CES also offers specialized items for emerging trends, such as data center cabling, renewable energy components, and IoT-enabled devices. If you’re searching for “wholesale electrical supplies online USA,” their website allows easy browsing, with options for account setup, special pricing, and digital invoicing.
Beyond products, CES emphasizes value-added services. Their construction services team handles jobsite management, including custom kitting where supplies are pre-packaged for specific projects. For industrial clients, experts provide tailored solutions like motor controls or hazardous location equipment. Digital tools, such as online ordering and mobile apps, make procurement seamless. And for those needing credit, CES offers quick approvals to keep cash flow steady.
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City Electric Supply Locations Across the USA
One of CES’s biggest strengths is its widespread presence. With over 500 branches in the USA alone, you’re never far from a store. This network ensures fast delivery often same-day which is crucial in an industry where delays can cost thousands.
Major hubs include:
- Southeast: Florida (where it all started) has dozens of branches, from Miami to Jacksonville. Georgia and the Carolinas are also densely covered.
- Southwest: Texas, with HQ in Dallas, boasts branches in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and more. Arizona and New Mexico round out the region.
- Midwest: Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan have strong footprints, supporting manufacturing hubs.
- West Coast: California leads with locations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. Washington and Oregon cater to tech-driven projects.
- Northeast: New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey branches serve urban construction booms.
To find a branch, simply search “City Electric Supply near me” on their site or app. Each location is staffed by knowledgeable locals who understand regional codes and needs like hurricane-resistant gear in Florida or seismic-rated products in California.
Pricing, contracts, and buying tips
How CES prices
- Contractor pricing: Contractors often get trade discounts, credit terms, and quantity pricing talk to your local branch rep.
- Project quotes: For large jobs, ask for a project quote that includes lead times, staging, and delivery windows.
- Promotions & specials: Individual branches may run local specials; national deals may appear periodically.
Practical buying tips
- Build a relationship with one branch rep. Local reps can help source rare parts and prioritize your orders.
- Ask about stock vs. special order. Don’t assume every branch carries every SKU verify before you go.
- Get a project takeoff reviewed. Have the branch check your bill of materials for missing items (saves trips).
- Negotiate delivery/pickup options. For tight schedules, ask about same-day pickup or expedited shipping.
- Use purchase orders for big projects. Protect margins and ensure order traceability.
Why these work: local autonomy means a branch that knows you is more likely to help in crunch time. Conversely, if you treat CES like a faceless national retailer you may miss the benefits of local support.
CES for contractors: playbook for efficiency
If you’re an electrician or contractor, follow this simple playbook to make the most of City Electric Supply:
- Phase 1 — Pre-bid: Contact branch for preliminary pricing and lead times. Get a sense of stocked items vs special orders.
- Phase 2 — Bid award: Arrange a materials coordination meeting with the branch. Confirm staging, delivery windows, and returns policy.
- Phase 3 — Installation: Use the branch as your “local warehouse” for rush items; confirm stock before leaving the site.
- Phase 4 — Closeout: Return excess stock per branch policy; request credits early. Keep purchase orders for warranty support and project audits.
This approach reduces re-orders, minimizes site delays, and keeps margins intact.
READ MORE: Electrician Near Me
Why Choose City Electric Supply? Key Benefits
In a crowded market of “electrical distributors USA,” CES shines with its customer-first approach. Here are some eye-catching reasons to make them your supplier:
- Personalized Service That Goes the Extra Mile: Unlike big-box stores, CES assigns dedicated reps who learn your business and anticipate needs.
- Competitive Wholesale Pricing Without Compromise: Bulk buying power means savings on top brands, plus exclusive deals and promotions.
- Nationwide Coverage with Local Expertise: Over 500 U.S. branches ensure quick access, while staff know local regulations inside out.
- Innovative Digital Tools for Efficiency: Online portals for quotes, orders, and tracking – perfect for busy contractors.
- Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation: Stocking green products like solar inverters and energy-efficient lighting to future-proof your projects.
- Family-Owned Values in a Corporate World: Third-generation leadership means stability, ethics, and a focus on long-term relationships over quick profits.
Comparing City Electric Supply to Top Competitors
To help you decide if CES is right for you, here’s a comparison table of major electrical distributors in the USA. We’ve focused on key factors like size, services, and strengths, based on industry data from sources like Electrical Wholesaling magazine’s Top 150 list.
| Distributor | Headquarters | Number of U.S. Branches | Annual Revenue (Approx.) | Key Strengths | Weaknesses |
| City Electric Supply | Dallas, TX | 500+ | $2.5 Billion | Family-owned, personalized service, strong local presence | Fewer global acquisitions, focus on organic growth |
| Graybar Electric | St. Louis, MO | 300+ | $10+ Billion | Vast inventory, logistics expertise, employee-owned | Can feel more corporate, less personalized |
| Wesco Distribution | Pittsburgh, PA | 500+ | $20+ Billion | Industrial focus, supply chain solutions, international reach | Higher prices on some items, complex bureaucracy |
| Elliott Electric Supply | Nacogdoches, TX | 180+ | $2+ Billion | Competitive pricing, Southwest dominance, family-owned | Limited national footprint compared to others |
| Border States Electric | Fargo, ND | 100+ | $3+ Billion | Utility and construction specialists, employee-owned | Smaller scale, regional emphasis |
As you can see, CES holds its own with a balance of size and service. If you prioritize relationships and local support, CES edges out larger players like Wesco. For massive industrial projects, Wesco or Graybar might be better, but CES’s pricing often wins for mid-sized jobs.
Pros and cons — an honest look
Eye-catching highlights (at a glance)
- Fast local access to common parts via neighborhood branches (contractor-friendly).
- Large catalog and buying power good for competitive pricing on big orders.
- Project services and localized stocking help reduce downtime.
Tradeoffs to consider
- Pricing, product availability, and service can vary branch-to-branch (local autonomy).
- For extremely specialized industrial equipment, some national specialists may be better.
- Culture and customer service experience can differ by location check local reviews.
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The Role of City Electric Supply in the Broader Electrical Industry
The electrical wholesale sector in the USA is booming, valued at over $100 billion annually. Factors like infrastructure bills, green energy transitions, and urban development fuel this growth. CES plays a pivotal role by bridging manufacturers and end-users, ensuring supplies flow efficiently.
Take the push for electrification: With EVs and smart grids on the rise, CES has ramped up offerings in charging infrastructure and renewable integration. During the COVID-19 era, CES adapted by boosting online sales and contactless pickups, helping contractors stay operational.
Industry challenges, like material shortages and inflation, are met head-on at CES through strategic stocking and vendor partnerships. Their blog and resources provide tips on navigating codes like the NEC (National Electrical Code), making them more than just a supplier a partner.
Tips for Maximizing Your Experience with City Electric Supply
To get the most out of CES:
- Set up a commercial account for custom pricing and credit terms.
- Use their app for real-time inventory checks.
- Attend local events or webinars for product demos.
- Leverage their project management services for large jobs.
- Stay updated via their newsletter for deals on “electrical supplies wholesale USA.”
When to choose CES vs other distributors
Choose City Electric Supply if:
- You need fast local pickup and contractor-level service.
- Your project benefits from a branch that can stage and manage materials.
Consider Graybar, Wesco, or Rexel when:
- You need specialized industrial supply chains, national contract vehicles, or deep communications/IT infrastructure expertise.
READ MORE: Electric Company Near Me
FAQs About City Electric
- What does City Electric Supply sell?
CES sells a wide range of electrical supplies, including wiring, lighting, tools, conduits, switchgear, and automation products for residential, commercial, and industrial use. They focus on wholesale pricing from top brands.
- Is City Electric Supply family-owned?
Yes, CES is a third-generation family-owned business, founded by Tom Mackie in 1951 (UK) and expanded to the USA in 1983. Current leadership is under Thomas Hartland-Mackie.
- How many locations does City Electric Supply have in the USA?
CES has over 500 branches across the United States, providing coast-to-coast coverage with a strong presence in the Southeast, Southwest, and major urban areas.
- Who owns City Electric Supply?
The company is privately owned by the Mackie family, with Thomas Hartland-Mackie as president and CEO since 2008.
- What is the history of City Electric Supply?
Started in 1951 in England as CEF, CES entered the U.S. market in 1983. It has grown to become one of the top electrical wholesalers through a commitment to service and quality.
Conclusion:
City Electric Supply USA isn’t just another distributor it’s a reliable partner that’s powered countless projects since 1983. With its family values, extensive network, and focus on innovation, CES continues to light the way in the electrical industry. Whether you’re a seasoned contractor or just starting out, their wholesale supplies, expert services, and community focus make them a standout choice. Next time you need “electrical supplies USA,” give CES a try you might just find your new go-to source. For more details, visit their website or stop by a local branch. Stay powered up!
