Which of these roles is primarily focused on purchasing goods in bulk for resale?

The role primarily focused on purchasing goods in bulk for resale is the wholesaler. Wholesalers buy large quantities of products directly from manufacturers and then sell them to retailers or other businesses. This allows retailers to stock their shelves without having to manage the complexities of purchasing directly from manufacturers in large volumes.

Wholesalers typically serve as intermediaries in the supply chain, providing the necessary link between manufacturers and retailers. Their ability to negotiate bulk purchases can lead to cost savings, which they can then pass on to their retail customers, making it an integral role in the retail industry.

The other options involve different functions in the supply chain. Retailers sell directly to consumers, distributors focus on getting products from manufacturers to the market, and manufacturers produce goods for sale. Each has its specific role, but the key characteristic that defines a wholesaler is the purchasing and reselling of goods in bulk.