Final answer:
A corporate property management firm is not a retailer because it provides property management services rather than selling goods directly to end consumers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The operator of which of the following establishments is NOT a retailer? To answer this question, one must understand that retailers are businesses or individuals that sell goods or services directly to end consumers. Among the options given:
- A catering service specializing in weddings is primarily a service provider, creating and delivering food for events rather than operating a retail outlet.
- A computer firm selling software to households via the Internet operates as a retailer, as it sells products directly to consumers.
- A student going door-to-door selling magazine subscriptions would be classified as a retailer, selling subscriptions directly to the consumer.
- An ice cream shop in the student union is also a retailer, as it sells ice cream directly to consumers.
However, a corporate property management firm does not operate as a retailer. Instead, it manages real estate for owners and is therefore involved in the service industry but not in direct retail sales to consumers.