Retailer: meaning, definitions and examples

Applicable when referring to a business or person that sells goods directly to consumers, typically in smaller quantities. Often used in the context of shops and online stores.

• The local retailer offers a wide variety of organic vegetables.
• Many retailers now provide home delivery services.

Generic term that can be applied to anyone who sells anything, regardless of the scale or medium. Suitable for informal or general contexts.

• The seller listed the old furniture on the website.
• She is a well-known seller at the local market.

Appropriate for describing a person or company involved in trading or commerce, often historically significant or involved in large-scale operations. Can also be used in e-commerce to describe online sellers.

• He was a wealthy merchant dealing in spices and silk.
• The online merchant offers a great return policy.

Typically used to describe someone who sells goods or services, often on the street or at a market. Can also refer to suppliers in a business-to-business context.

• The vendor on the corner sells delicious tacos.
• Our company works with various software vendors.