About Us

American Wholesale Book Company (AWBC) is proud to a part of the Book Depot family.

American Wholesale Book Company (AWBC), a proud member of the Book Depot family, has been serving the publishing and retail industry since 1997. We started as a wholesale book distributor and quickly earned a reputation for reliability and long-term partnerships with leading publishers.

Over the years, we expanded beyond distribution into third-party logistics, offering retailers innovative and tailored solutions to streamline operations and grow with confidence. Our focus has always been on delivering value through service, innovation, and trusted relationships.

Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, with a 900,000 sq. ft. distribution center in Jefferson City, AWBC also operates the largest Book Returns Processing Center in North America—strengthening our mission to support the book industry with unmatched expertise and scale.

Packaging, Display, & Design

If you have concerns or needs about how to merchandise your Bargain Books, we have solutions. One of our greatest strengths is the ability to help design promotional programs based on our industry knowledge and help you execute them. We have a host of corrugated displays ranging from PDQ’s to Floor Stands, to Full Pallet Treasure Bins. For these displays, we offer graphics options such as value statements and seasonal designs.

Reverse Logistics

From Returns Processing to Recycling, we can custom tailor a reverse logistics program to meet your needs. We offer integrated credit file preparation & reporting, book refurbishment, carton & pallet build, and storage to ensure fast & efficient cycle times for your returns. Lastly, due to ABC & Book Depot’s wholesale businesses, we’re uniquely positioned to either purchase your returns or help you find a new home for them – all of this to say we’re “Bringing Books Back to Life.”

Technology

American Wholesale Book Company (AWBC) is EDI capable and operates from a dynamic ERP system, newly launched in 2020. Our WMS features advanced warehousing pick, pack & ship functionality to ensure fast and accurate order turnaround. We also offer additional value-added services such as custom UPC barcode product labeling, GS1-128 carton labeling, and custom assorting & pack-out.

The mission of American Wholesale Book Company (AWBC) is to satisfy the needs of our suppliers and customers for cost effective, high quality services.

Partnerships With Our Suppliers and Customers

Our Account Base Includes…

Individual and Chain Bookstores

Discount Department Chains

Bargain Outlets and Wholesale Clubs

Supermarkets

Drugstores

College and University Bookstores

International

Christian Book Stores

Card, Gift, and Stationery Stores