Final answer:
E-commerce has evolved significantly due to advancements in technology, particularly the internet, and globalization, which has increased market competition and altered consumer behavior, as evidenced by Amazon's impact on the book industry.
Step-by-step explanation:
The evolution of e-commerce can be understood in light of two critical shifts: technology and globalization. These shifts have played a pivotal role in the way we define markets today. The development of the internet, which is a significant technological advancement, has enabled consumers to purchase goods such as books or pet supplies from anywhere in the country or the world, thus heightening the competition among local retail businesses. Moreover, this technological progress also paved the path for business-to-business websites that connect buyers and suppliers globally.
The iconic example of e-commerce success is Amazon.com, which revolutionized the book industry in under two decades. Amazon's impact led to the decline of independent bookstores and significant chains like Borders, shifting the consumer preference towards online book purchases. The integration of vast inventories, ease of access, customer service, and efficient distribution systems contributed to Amazon's ability to dominate the market.
Therefore, option (a) Initial adoption to widespread usage, integration of social media, mobile commerce, best articulates the evolution of e-commerce from its early years.