The phrase "local merchants" refers to businesses or stores that are small and independently owned, usually found in a particular neighborhood or community, and are not part of big chains or corporations. Full definition
Puppies probably were traded with local merchants at port cities. (rmccr.org)
Time after time studies have shown that it does make a difference when people choose to buy from local merchants. (chautauquachamber.org)
The early days of credit reporting were largely made up of local merchants working together to monitor the creditworthiness of their shared customers. (ondeck.com)