Final answer:
The major supply chains supporting a retailer are production and distribution, involving decisions related to cost inputs, productivity, and technology as well as supply and demand dynamics influencing prices and wages.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major supply chains that support the retailer and make its products and services available for customers are production and distribution. These incorporate the entire process from the initial production of goods to delivering the final product to the consumers.
The production side involves making important decisions regarding the behavior of firms, which encompasses the cost of inputs, productivity, and the introduction of new technologies.
On the distribution side, the supply and demand dynamics, along with the level of competition in the marketplace, determine the cost of raw materials, retail prices, and the wages paid to workers. Effective supply chains also consider advancements in technology, transportation methods, and labor policies to ensure resilience in times of national emergencies and maintain competitive advantages in a globalized market.