1.
wholesaler; distributor
A business or person that buys goods in bulk from manufacturers and sells them to retailers. An intermediary in the supply chain between producers and retail shops.
卸業者から直接仕入れる。
We purchase directly from the wholesaler.
この商品は卸業者を通さずに販売している。
This product is sold without going through a wholesaler.
食品卸業者は新鮮な野菜を毎朝各店舗に届けている。
The food wholesaler delivers fresh vegetables to each store every morning.
USAGE:
A compound of 卸 (wholesale) + 業者 (business operator). Refers to the middleman between manufacturers and retailers. In Japan, the wholesale distribution system is an important part of the commercial structure.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 食品卸業者 (food wholesaler)
- 卸業者を通す (to go through a wholesaler)
- 卸業者から仕入れる (to purchase from a wholesaler)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 問屋: wholesale dealer — a traditional term, often for a specific trade
- 小売業者: retailer — sells directly to consumers (opposite role)