Final answer:
Complementary marketing is the arrangement a firm might use to ensure that its seasonal distribution channels remain functioning throughout the year by pairing products with off-setting seasonal demands to stabilize sales and distribution efforts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question deals with maintaining seasonal distribution channels functioning throughout the year. To achieve this, firms may participate in various strategies, such as using the services of a trading company or export management company, engaging in complementary marketing, or by establishing a retail store. These approaches assist in managing the variability in demand and supply associated with seasonality. Using a trading or export management company can provide access to a wider distribution network and specialized knowledge in handling seasonal market fluctuations. Complementary marketing involves pairing products that have off-setting seasonal demands thereby stabilizing sales and distribution efforts.
When examining the multitude of strategies, the implementation of complementary marketing could effectively utilize existing distribution channels by promoting products that peak in demand during the off-season of the primary product, ensuring continuous operation and efficiency in distribution throughout the year. Therefore, complementary marketing could be the arrangement firms might pursue to keep their seasonal distribution channels active year-round.