What is a merchants job in the Victorian era?

In the Victorian era, a merchant's job primarily involved buying and selling goods, often operating within local markets or larger trade networks. They played a crucial role in the economy by importing products from overseas and distributing them domestically, including textiles, spices, and manufactured items. Merchants were also responsible for managing inventory, negotiating prices, and maintaining relationships with suppliers and customers. Their work contributed to the growth of urban centers and the expansion of the British Empire's trade routes.