A stockist is a business or individual that holds and sells products from various manufacturers or suppliers. They act as intermediaries between producers and consumers, ensuring that goods are available in retail locations. Stockists can specialize in specific types of products, such as electronics, clothing, or food items, and they often maintain inventory to meet customer demand. Stockists play a crucial role in the supply chain by providing access to products for retailers and consumers. They may work with wholesalers to purchase large quantities of goods at discounted prices, which they then sell at a markup. This helps ensure that products are readily available in the market.