Orire, Ismaila Oloyede2023-05-182023-05-182013-031115-960Xhttps://uilspace.unilorin.edu.ng/handle/20.500.12484/10408This paper examines the business behaviour of retail and wholesale population in Ilorin, Nigeria. This behaviour pertain to the hierarchical organizational structure of the retail and wholesale distributive outlets and the observed pattern of change in occupational advancement (growth or decline) along the three stages on the business ladder. Data used in the study were obtained through primary and secondary methods. 193 copies of questionnaire were randomly administered to urban commercial traders. The data generated were interpreted through tables, simple percentages and chi-square test of significance. Results shows a considerable appreciation in the respondents' educational status for the respective cadre of education, most especially at the tertiary levels. No significant variation in gender composition amongst the trading population in Ilorin. In addition, it was discovered that a pattern does exist, first even within the trader population in the context of differences in business premise types. Secondly, urban dwellers who engage in commercial endeavors are organized hierarchically ranging from different retailer and wholesaler classes either at the bottom or at the peak of the business structure.enUrban, Retail and Wholesale, Business Hierarchies, Behavoiur, IlorinArticle