Best States for Amazon Bin Stores
Some states have a thriving bin store scene with dozens of locations. Find out which states lead the country in bin store density and what makes them hot spots.
Why Some States Have More Bin Stores Than Others
The distribution of bin stores across the United States isn't random. Several factors influence where these stores cluster: proximity to Amazon fulfillment centers and return processing facilities, population density, commercial real estate costs, and local entrepreneurial culture. States with major Amazon logistics infrastructure tend to see more bin stores because the cost of transporting liquidation pallets is lower and inventory is easier to source.
Here's a look at the states with the most vibrant bin store scenes and why they've become hotspots.
Texas
Texas is home to one of the largest and most active bin store communities in the country. With a massive population, low commercial real estate costs compared to coastal states, and strong Amazon logistics infrastructure throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Houston, and San Antonio, Texas has the conditions that allow bin stores to thrive.
The Dallas-Fort Worth area in particular has seen explosive bin store growth, with new stores opening regularly across suburbs like Plano, Garland, Mesquite, and Arlington. Houston's sprawl supports stores across its many suburbs, and San Antonio has a growing scene as well.
What Makes Texas Great for Bin Stores
Large population base means high customer volume
Affordable commercial rents support the low-margin-per-item model
Multiple Amazon fulfillment and return centers reduce shipping costs for inventory
Strong reseller community that shares tips and drives traffic
Florida
Florida's year-round warm climate, large retiree population, and tourism economy create unique demand for discount shopping. Bin stores have spread rapidly across the Tampa Bay area, Orlando, Jacksonville, and South Florida.
The state's large distribution infrastructure — fueled by the need to serve both resident and tourist populations — means liquidation merchandise flows through Florida regularly. Many bin store owners here also serve snowbirds who visit during winter months and are enthusiastic bargain shoppers.
Ohio
Ohio is often cited as one of the best states for bin stores relative to its size. The state sits in the heart of the Midwest logistics corridor, with excellent access to warehousing and distribution facilities. Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Dayton all have established bin store scenes.
Ohio's rust belt geography means affordable commercial real estate, making it easier for small business owners to open and sustain bin stores without the overhead that would crush them in higher-cost markets.
North Carolina
North Carolina has emerged as one of the fastest-growing states for bin stores. The Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham metro areas have seen significant growth in Amazon infrastructure, and the Research Triangle's tech-savvy consumer base means lots of electronics returns flowing through the system.
The state's mix of urban centers and suburban communities provides a diverse customer base — from resellers in the cities to families in the suburbs looking for bargains on household goods.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's position in the Northeast, with access to massive population centers and major Amazon logistics infrastructure around the Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia areas, makes it a strong market for bin stores. The Lehigh Valley is one of Amazon's most important logistics hubs on the East Coast, which means significant return volume flows through the region.
Bin stores in Pennsylvania range from small urban shops in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia neighborhoods to larger suburban warehouse-style locations.
Michigan
Michigan's industrial history means affordable warehouse space, and its major population centers — Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing — provide solid customer bases. The bin store community in Michigan is active and well-connected, with a strong reseller culture that has grown up around the industry.
Georgia
Atlanta's massive logistics infrastructure (the city is a major Southeast distribution hub), combined with its large and diverse population, has made it fertile ground for bin stores. The suburbs of Atlanta — particularly to the north and east — have seen significant bin store growth in recent years.
Indiana
Like Ohio, Indiana benefits from its central location in the Midwest distribution network. Indianapolis has a growing bin store scene, and the state's affordable real estate allows operators to run large warehouse-style stores that aren't economically viable in higher-cost markets.
States With Growing Bin Store Scenes
Several states are seeing rapid growth in bin store openings:
Arizona (Phoenix metro)
Tennessee (Nashville and Memphis)
Virginia (Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads)
Missouri (Kansas City and St. Louis)
Illinois (Chicago suburbs)
What to Look for When Evaluating Your State
If you're wondering about the bin store scene in your state, consider:
Is there a major Amazon fulfillment or return center within 200 miles?
Are commercial rents in your area affordable for a warehouse-style retail space?
Is there a population of at least 100,000–200,000 within easy driving distance?
If you can answer yes to these questions, chances are there's at least one bin store — and probably several — within a reasonable drive.