Merchant

Merchants function as professional traders, dealing in commodities that they do not produce themselves.

Merchants can be categorised into two types: -

1. A wholesale merchant operates in the chain between producer and retail merchant. Some wholesale merchants only organise the movement of goods rather than move the goods themselves.
2. A retail merchant sells commodities to consumers (including businesses), commonly known as retailers. A shopowner is a retail merchant.

A merchant class characterises many pre-modern societies. Its status can range from high (even achieving titles like that of merchant prince or nabob) to low (note the soiling capabilities of "mere" trade).

See also: commerce, mercantilism, distribution