Hayes Specialties Corporation was founded in 1967 by Jim and Judy Hayes as a small wholesale operation in a storefront in Saginaw, Michigan. The company can trace its roots to the 1930s when Eugene L. Hayes sold pocket combs, aspirin tins and non food items from his truck to restaurants, taverns and small stores. Currently in our third location, we boast a 110,000 square-foot warehouse, and are one of the largest importers of toys and novelties in the United States.
With one of the most diverse product lines of any importer, from toys to keychains to plush animals and gifts, we have items suited for all types of business. But what has given us a competitive advantage for many years was our ability to find hot new items well ahead of competitors. We view ourselves as innovators, not followers…Our buyers’ frequent trips to Asia to source new product allow us to find items well ahead of other importers. Hayes products have been featured on NBC’s Tonight Show with Jay Leno, in Wired Magazine, in movies and on network television shows.
In addition, we maintain a buying office in Shanghai, China, staffed by Hayes employees. This office serves as a direct contact point for the numerous factories which we deal with in China. It allows for easier consolidation of shipments, better quality control, and it gives us our own ‘eye’ on potential new, hot items coming from the region.
Our customer base is mainly in the United States, but also boast many customers in South America, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and even Asia. We sell to many different types of businesses, such as gift shops, chain stores, resorts, fundraisers, wholesalers/jobbers, carnivals and amusement parks. All of our merchandise is generally stocked at the Saginaw location, however, we do a great deal of importing for many other companies throughout the United States and Canada.
What sets us ahead of the rest is our service…In addition to our great prices and large selection; it is our service that has allowed us to grow all these years. We pride ourselves in our quick turn-around times (most orders are shipped the same day we receive them), friendly and knowledgeable salespeople, and simplicity of ordering.