Regent Products Celebrates 40 Years
Jan 2nd 2025
In 1985, Microsoft launched its’ first version of Windows, the first cell phone call was made as was the first “.COM domain” registered. Who would have noticed that founding partners Mike DePaul and Bill Bailes partnership were embarking on little more than an idea to buy and sell Closeouts. That idea would eventually turn them in to a leading Supplier to retail stores all over the World. To say the least, a lot has changed since 1985.
From its early and much smaller beginnings in a 15,000 square foot facility and three employees to its current home, Regent Products has earned the respect from its customers by helping them grow and remain successful by offering “Exceptional Products & Value” in both domestic closeout programs and Direct Import programs.
In 1989, the inventory was still mainly focused on Closeouts but eventually Direct Import items were sourced and brought in to grow and build a consistent line of inventory. There was a need to compliment the closeout category and meet the demands at the request of its growing customer base.
Today in 2025, still located in the Western Suburbs of Chicago near O’Hare Airport, Regent Products Corp. has a dedicated employee staff of 120, boasts a 535,000 square foot warehouse distribution center, Sixty-two docks, a 5,000 square foot showroom and more than 6,000 items in over thirty categories.
Vendors appreciate their commitment to moving small and large quantities of closeouts discreetly through its customer base. In addition to Closeouts, Regent’s continuity categories include: Housewares, Glassware, Food Storage Plastics, Kitchen Gadgets, Pet Products, Health & Beauty, Stationery, Halloween, Christmas, Easter, St. Patrick’s Day, Party Supplies, Cleaning, Patriotic, Snack, Food & Candy.
40 years later, you can find employees with 20 to 25 years of service proving that partners Mike DePaul and Bill Bailes remain committed not only to its customer base but employees as well. Regent’s customer base is as diverse as its lines of merchandise. Customers are serviced by a knowledgeable in-House Sales and Customer Service team along with an outstanding Warehouse and Logistics department. Regent Products continues to innovate and evolve by offering pre-loaded merchandise strips and floor and counter displays. New items are introduced to keep their customer base poised for continued growth and success. For sales and information contact sales@regentproducts.com.
Company Timeline
1985
- Mike DePaul & William Bailes form partnership
- Inventory Liquidators is Parent Company
- Regent Products Corp. is formed and Incorporates.
- Employees count, 3
- Facility is located in a 15,000 sq. ft. building in Downers Grove, IL.
- Merchandise consists of Closeouts Only.
1989
- Company moves to 110,000 sq. ft. facility in Itasca, IL.
- Employee count increases to 30.
- Direct Imports are added to maintain continuity lines of merchandise along with Closeouts.
1993
- Regent Products moves to 535,000 sq. ft. former Post Office facility in River Grove, IL.
- Employee count increases to 50
- Facility has 62 Shipping Docks and separate receiving Docks.
- Merchandise line increases to 1500 items as more Direct Imports are added.
- Complete Build-out is needed and includes:
- Construction of 2- Story glass lobby
- Receptionist/Lobby & seating area
- 5,000 sq. ft. showroom is incorporated
- Warehouse becomes fully racked
- Conference Room, Sales, Buying & Management Offices, Restrooms, Kitchen and Health Club facility are all in the design plans.
2003-2004
- Regent Products begins to host “Midwest Market Days” Shows
- 2nd Floor is re-purposed to house vendors for Trade Shows
- Building renovation continues and expands tradeshow floor space to meet growing demand for increased Vendors attending “Midwest Market Days.”
- Renovation/Build-out includes: Larger Kitchen serving and seating area
- Wall in showroom is opened to allow access and construction of First Floor Vendor booth space.
- Regent launches it’s first website
2023
- Employee count increases to 120
- Line consists of 6,000 items in over 30 categories.
- New Website is launched
- Regent upgrades “In-House “ Inventory Management” system Acumatica after nearly 30 years with the ILC system.
Today…
We still have a satellite showroom in Philadelphia at the Mid-Atlantic Mart and remain committed to helping our customers grow and remain successful by offering exceptional sales, customer service, timely shipments and outstanding product.
Our 535,000 square foot warehouse is ideally located in the heart of America's crossroads located near major Interstates making shipments convenient to any point in the country. Regent Products Corp. has built a reputation on competence and experience.
We’re proud of our National and International reputation we've earned. Many retailers around the world now use and depend on Regent Products for exceptional products and value.
We want to “Thank” every customer for your continued business as we could not have grown without you.
Thank-you for 40 Years!
Mike DePaul
William Bailes