Trade flourished in the later middle ages when a merchant class arose outside of feudal society.

This is true. During the Middle Ages merchants saw an increase in influence and wealth. As more and more towns and cities began to emerge during this time, it became important for towns to set up local and long distance trade. The merchants were the ones who were willing to travel short and long distance to conduct trade and create economic expansion. Rural places could trade with urban places because of merchants and some merchants went on to hold high positions in towns due to their helpfulness.