Crossword Genius

Part of focus to merchant? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

customer

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'part' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

'of focus to merchant?' is the wordplay.
'of' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'CUSTOMER' can be found hidden inside 'focus to merchant'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for customer that I've seen before include "The one who pays is always right" , "Person shopping" , "Rail passenger, nowadays" , "Someone who pays for goods or services" , "Person buying" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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