There is this stuff called Earthgro (w/o w at end) that contains perlite. You can find it at HD or Lowes.

I find perlite or vermiculite (same thing) at Walmart, Home Depot. Not hard to find at all.

I think the gardeners who use alot of it were looking to buy bigger bags than the expensive little ones in the box stores.

perlite and vermiculite are NOT the same thing, not even close.
Also, we that use large amounts need large bags at a reasonable price.
Home depot and lowes DO NOT carry the large bags anymore. just the little bags for around $4. which would be about $50+ for the same amount in bulk.
Of coarse all(or most) of the potting soil bags have perlite in them, people previously were looking for the large 4 cubic feet bags which are hard to find.
Sorry, was just trying to help those in need of LARGE BAGS.
john

i was able to get it down here in fort myers for round $6 a big bag the last time i posted no body took me up on the offer and i am now using up the last bag i had let me know if any one needs it i still might be able to get it mabey cost more $ now then last year seing how everything else has gone up in price

I think Tom M. gets it at prosource over in the St Pete area in 4 ft3. I got some from prosource here in Ft Pierce, but the quality is way down. Lots of dust and small peices. The price was less than $10. I made a screening box about 1 ft3 our or housescreen wire and shake it about 1/4 full and then rinse it with water.

Edible landscape has great looking quality in monster bags that he uses personally and has promised to get 4 ft bags in soon with same quality. Did not get a price yet. Will keep the east coast folks on forum posted if it turns out good.

bernie