Answer:
D. By explaining how uncontrollable circumstances led to the price increase
Step-by-step explanation:
The author responds to the counterclaim by explaining how uncontrollable circumstances led to the price increase.
This is true because from the excerpt, the author clearly stated that there were severe winter weather which occurred along the East Coast. This severe weather caused the delay they encountered in shipping.
Weather conditions are natural phenomenon which man cannot control. So, since shipping of the toys were delayed due to severe weather, stores did not receive enough toys therefore, the available toys became more valuable and expensive. It's very clear that the prices increased due to the uncontrollable circumstances caused by the weather.