What type of dealer is often responsible for bulk sales to retailers?

The role of a wholesaler is pivotal in the distribution chain, particularly in the context of bulk sales to retailers. Wholesalers serve as intermediaries between manufacturers and retailers, purchasing large quantities of goods from producers and then selling them in smaller quantities to retail businesses. This system allows retailers to stock their shelves with a diverse range of products without needing to deal with multiple manufacturers individually.

Wholesalers typically handle the logistics of storage and distribution, which is beneficial for retailers who may lack the capacity or resources to manage large inventories or transportation. By buying in bulk, wholesalers can often obtain products at a lower cost, allowing retailers to maintain competitive pricing in their stores.

In contrast, street dealers typically operate in illicit markets, often selling drugs or stolen goods directly to consumers. Distributors can be a broader category that includes entities that might handle logistics but are not exclusively focused on bulk sales to retailers. Retailers, on the other hand, sell directly to consumers and are not involved in bulk sales to other businesses. Thus, the wholesaler is the most accurate choice for a type of dealer responsible for bulk sales to retailers.