Re: Could someone just explain
Actually, I'm with you there - anon, cos in my job I really should be able to write a definition myself without resorting blindly to Wikipedia, but maybe this answers it:
"Distribution of products takes place by means of channels. Channels are sets of independent organisations (called intermediaries) involved in making the product available for consumption [1]. Merchants are intermediaries that buy and resell products. Agents and brokers are intermediaries that act on behalf of the producer but do not take title to the products.
A firm can design any number of channels. Channels are classified by the number of intermediaries between producer and consumer. A level zero channel has no intermediaries. This is typical of direct marketing. A level one channel has a single intermediary. This flow is typically from manufacturer to retailer to consumer."