About the Food Domain: Retailers

Retailers
Retailers sell food to consumers. Supermarkets, grocery stores, delicatessens, butcher shops, restaurants, and convenience stores are all examples of food retailers. These establishments usually provide a location that consumers can visit to identify and purchase their food. Some establishments, such as restaurants, provide places for customers to eat the food they purchase. Retailers who take phone or on-line orders are exceptions. They allow customers to identify and purchase food without visiting their place of business.

Most food retailers purchase food items from wholesalers, however, some buy products directly from the producer or the processor. In many cases, retailers who purchase products directly from producers or processors purchase them locally. Purchasing products locally can increase sales because many consumers prefer to support their local businesses. It also can decrease transportation costs because the food items do not have to travel long distances to reach the retailer.

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