1. Buying : A retailer buys a wide variety of goods from different wholesalers after estimating customer’s demand.
2. Storage : A retailer maintains a ready stock of goods and displays them in the shop.
3. Selling : The retailer sells the goods in small quantities according to the demand taste and preference of consumers.
4. Grading and Packing : The retailer grades the goods which are not graded by manufacturers and wholesalers.
5. Risk – bearing : A retailer always keeps stock of goods in anticipation of demand and bears the risk of loss due to fire, theft, spoilage, price fluctuations, etc.
6. Transportation : Retailers often carry goods from manufacturers to their retail outlets.
7. Financing : Some retailers grant credit facilities to his customers and provide the facility of return or exchange of goods.