Glossary

Distribution channel

Distribution channel

A distribution channel is a network of wholesalers, retailers, and buyers that brands rely on to manufacture products and deliver and market them in end markets. Here are the three types of distribution channels:

  1. Wholesalers: This involves the wholesaler buying a bulk quantity of the product from the manufacturer and selling it further.
  2. Retailers: This includes retailers buying from wholesalers and selling to end users.
  3. Direct-to-consumer sales: This involves the manufacturer directly selling its product to end customers.

In the digital world, a distribution channel is the medium through which brands distribute content, like social media, email marketing, or SMS marketing. Brands can leverage multichannel marketing to reach consumers across various channels.