Final answer:
Benchmarks in business refer to industry-specific standards or averages for costs per branded pair, helping businesses compare their performance against others.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of business costs, benchmarks refer to industry-specific standards or averages for the costs per branded pair sold in each geographic region. These costs include production costs, warehouse expenses, marketing, and administration. Benchmarks help businesses compare their own performance and costs against others in the industry to identify areas for improvement.