A merchant is a businessperson who trades in commodities produced by others, in order to earn a profit. The status of the merchant has varied during different periods of history and amongst different societies. Merchants have often been the subject of works of art.
There are two types of merchant.
A wholesale merchant operates in the chain between producer and retail merchant, typically dealing in large quantities of goods. Some wholesale merchants only organize the movement of goods rather than move the goods themselves.
A retail merchant or retailer, sells commodities to consumers (including businesses), usually in small quantities. A shop owner is a retail merchant.
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