Up to the 17th century Lanciano held fairs that attracted merchants from all over Italy, as well as from France and the Balkans.
The lure of profits from the gold trade, made possible by Mali's acquisition of Wangara, and the tranquillity that prevailed under Sundiata's leadership attracted merchants and traders, and Niani soon became a key commercial centre in the Sudan.
Gelderblom describes how the city fathers resisted the predatory or reckless actions of their territorial rulers, and how their nonrestrictive approach to commercial life succeeded in attracting merchants from all over Europe.
And the vast, tent-covered Saturday market in Oaxaca is one of the best cultural showcases in Mexico, attracting merchants from isolated outlying villages with woven goods, pottery and sandals at prices so low it doesn't seem right to bargain.
The region also relies on tourist revenue from a host of annual events, from The International Aerospace Exhibition this month to monthly camel races and the Dubai Shopping Festival, which attracts merchants and shoppers from all over the world each January.
Payments company Square is debuting six new TV ads today, in a big marketing push towards attracting merchants on the platform.
Alibaba, on the other hand, wanted Mogujie to be a vertical e-commerce service that would focus on attracting merchants, touting things and locking users in instead of sending them to third-party platforms.
Interestingly, the ads focus on attracting merchants vs. consumers using Square's wallet app, which isn't surprising considering the company's recent moves to attract larger retailers, and enable custom pricing for merchants.
Strategically located, Damascus attracted merchants from all over the world.
