The role of the retailer in the distribution channel?

The role of the retailer in the distribution channel?
To sell the product to the ultimate consumer; to handle financial arrangement of the transaction including giving credit or offering credit cards or taking risks the cash will be stolen or spoil or go out of style or lose some utility. Also, educationg the consumer particularly in "pioneer" products....teaching people how to use a Palm Pilot or whatever. Handling warranty returns. Protecting merchandise from theft perhaps. Adding location utility to the product. A beer delivered to you in row six of a Celtics game that is cold is worth more than a warm can at Walmart. So eretailers add time, place and condition (whatever that is called in the book) utility.