What is Retailer

A retailer is a business that sells products directly to consumers, usually in smaller quantities than a wholesaler or manufacturer. Retailers can operate online, in physical stores, or across both, and often serve as the final link in the supply chain before a product reaches the end user.

Examples

Retailer What they sell Channel type
Amazon Almost everything from books to electronics Online marketplace
Walmart Groceries, clothing, electronics, household Brick-and-click
Zalando Fashion and footwear Online store
Home Depot Home improvement and DIY supplies Brick-and-click
ASOS Fashion, primarily for young adults Online store

Good to know

Not all retailers operate the same way. Some sell only online, others run physical stores, and many do both. This affects how and where your product data needs to show up.

If you’re supplying to retailers, it’s important to understand their specific requirements, like what product attributes they expect, how they accept product feeds, and whether they use systems like PIMs or marketplaces. The more aligned your product data is with a retailer’s setup, the smoother your listings and sales will be.

Know more

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a retailer and a marketplace?
A retailer sells products directly to consumers under its own brand either online, in stores, or both. A marketplace, like Amazon or eBay, hosts listings from many different sellers and takes a cut of the sales. If you’re a brand working with a retailer, you usually sell to them wholesale. If you’re on a marketplace, you’re selling directly to the customer.
Do all retailers require the same product data?
Not at all. Each retailer can have its own specs for product listings, like required attributes, image formats, or feed structure. Some might support custom attributes or sustainability data, while others won’t. Always check their requirements before publishing.
How can I keep my product content consistent across multiple retailers?
A product information management (PIM) system can help you centralize your product data and tailor it to each retailer’s needs without duplicating work. That way, your product info stays accurate and aligned, even if each retailer has different formats or standards.