Answer to the original question...
The two largest hydroponic wholesalers in the United States are Hydrofarm and National Garden Wholesale, aka Sunlight Supply. Either of them will sell wholesale to you as long as you fill out their credit app, place a minimum order and prove you have, or in the process of opening, a legitimate hydroponic gardening store.
Both have multiple warehouses across the country, so you should contact the warehouse closest to your location to set up an account.
Hydrofarm - Grow Lights, Hydroponics and More!
http://www.n-g-w.com
There are many other smaller wholesalers who will be more than happy to help you as well. You can find a list and contact information at the Progressive Gardening Trade Association website (
Progressive Gardening Trade Association (PGTA)), formerly known as the Hydroponic Merchants Association.
Many "hydroponic" stores would prefer to be known by the model you have proposed, a general gardening store with an excellent selection of hydroponic equipment and supplies. This is for the security of not only the customers, but the owners as well. Everything that is needed to grow weed can also be used to grow virtually any other plant, only better. Mainstream gardeners are figuring this out, which helps folks like you diversify their income streams, which provides business security in the event another Green Merchant comes down the pike.
That should get you started. Good luck!
VG
