Whether stores are online or physical they rely on efficient supply chains. Wholesalers are the link in this chain between manufacturers and stores, ensuring that goods reach the shopfront on time.

Wholesalers will buy very large quantities of a product, then sell the product onto a variety of retailers who will sell the goods one by one to the consumer. At each step the price of the product is increased slightly with the increase representing the company’s income.

Bigger organisations may handle the entire supply chain themselves, something the internet has made easier, but often there will be dedicated wholesalers serving specific regions or product types.