Anchor Distributors: Our Story

Anchor Distributors, a proud member of the Whitaker Corporation family of companies, is a Christian-based wholesale distributor located in western Pennsylvania.

We specialize in inspirational gifts, books, Bibles, and church supplies, offering a thoughtfully curated selection of more than 40,000 unique items from over 50 respected vendors and 200 distribution partners.

With over 50 years of service in the industry, Anchor Distributors has earned a reputation as a trusted partner for retailers seeking quality products and reliable service. Our commitment to excellence and our mission to uplift and inspire are at the heart of everything we do.

Founded in 1970 and headquartered in New Kensington, PA, Anchor Distributors began with a vision to support Christian bookstores, churches, and ministries around the world. While our roots remain deeply connected to Christian retail, we've grown to serve the broader inspirational gifting industry—bringing faith-filled and meaningful products to an even wider audience.

Our mission is simple: to provide resources that inspire, encourage, and equip.

Mission Statement

We’re on a mission to flood the world with the gospel message by providing products and resources that glorify our Lord Jesus Christ

Our History

Founded in 1970 by Robert E. Whitaker Sr., today Whitaker Corporation comprises its publishing division, Whitaker House, and sister company, Anchor Distributors, as well as a suite of imprints, fulfillment and publishing partners, and resources for buyers and booksellers: Whitaker Espanol, ShopTheWord, Word Alive, and AnchorUP.

Now a well-established publisher of contemporary and classic Christian literature, Whitaker House began nearly by accident in the 1960s when former electrical sales representative, Robert Whitaker Sr. was profoundly healed, both physically and spiritually. Inspired by this transformation, he was compelled to share his faith with others and started by giving away copies of David Wilkerson's classic, The Cross and the Switchblade.

Upcoming Trade Shows

January 2026

Atlanta Winter Show

Atlanta, GA

Georgia World Congress Center

January 13-19, 2026

Join us at the Atlanta Winter Show to discover new products and connect with industry leaders.

January 2026

Toronto Gift Show

Toronto, ON

TBD

January 25-29, 2026

Visit us at the Toronto Gift Show to explore our latest product offerings.

February 2026

Philadelphia Gift Show

Philadelphia, PA

Pennsylvania Convention Center

February 1-3, 2026

Join us at the Philadelphia Gift Show to discover new products and connect with industry leaders.

Past Shows

January 2025

Atlanta Winter Show

Atlanta, GA

Georgia World Congress Center

January 15-19, 2025

We participated in the Atlanta Winter Show, showcasing our seasonal collections.

February 2025

Philadelphia Gift Show

Philadelphia, PA

Pennsylvania Convention Center

February 2-4, 2025

We showcased our products at the Philadelphia Gift Show.

February 2025

Great Lakes Gift Show

Cleveland, OH

Cleveland Convention Center

February 25-27, 2025

We participated in the Great Lakes Gift Show, connecting with retailers in the region.

March 2025

Minneapolis Mart Gift Show

Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis Mart

March 7-11, 2025

We exhibited at the Minneapolis Mart Gift Show, showcasing our latest products.

June 2025

Dallas Home & Gift Show

Dallas, TX

Dallas Market Center

June 18-21, 2025

Visit us at the Dallas Home & Gift Show to explore our latest collections.

July 2025

Atlanta Summer Show

Atlanta, GA

Georgia World Congress Center

July 16-20, 2025

Join us at the Atlanta Summer Show to discover new products and connect with industry leaders.

August 2025

Biloxi Gift Show

Biloxi, MS

Mississippi Coast Coliseum

August 1-4, 2025

Visit us at the Biloxi Gift Show to explore our latest product offerings.

September 2025

Vegas Gift Show

Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas Convention Center

September 16-19, 2025

Experience the excitement of the Vegas Gift Show and discover new products for your store.

November 2025

Sevierville (Smokey Mountain) Gift Show

Sevierville, TN

Sevierville Convention Center

November 4-6, 2025

Join us at the Sevierville Gift Show to discover the latest products and trends in the gift industry.

More About Us

"God led me to literally give books away—by the hundreds—as a ministry to help others find the joy and peace I'd found"
- Whitaker Sr., 2010 (40th anniversary)

Collecting and distributing large quantities of books in his garage, he was approached by friend and colleague Russ Bixler, then CEO of Cornerstone Television and a member of the Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship International where Whitaker Sr. served as chapter president. Bixler asked Whitaker about printing and distributing his book It Can Happen to Anybody, a title that all but prophesied the future of what Whitaker Corp would become.

After back-to-back appearances on the 700 Club and Cornerstone TV, the visibility led to an influx of interest of new authors and distribution opportunities. Together with his sons Robert Jr. and John grew the fledgling company into one of the Christian industry's premier publishing houses, including a warehouse outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Present Day Leadership

Now under the third-generation leadership of Publisher Christine Whitaker, with Robert Jr. still at the helm as President of Whitaker Corporation, Whitaker House is positioned to celebrate 55 years of global influence, continuing the original inspired mission, advancing God's kingdom by publishing biblically focused authors who proclaim the power of the gospel and minister to the spiritual needs of people around the world.