Final answer:
The correct punctuation in the given sentence is to replace the comma after 'Aaron Montgomery Ward' with a semicolon, making option a) the right choice.
The correct answer is: a- replace the comma after WARD with a semicolon.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question addresses punctuation usage and, specifically, where a semicolon should be placed in a given sentence. According to the rules of English grammar, a semicolon can be used to separate two independent clauses in a sentence where the clauses are closely related in theme but could stand as sentences on their own.
In the sentence provided, the semicolon should be placed after Aaron Montgomery Ward; hence option a) is correct. This punctuation allows for a pause that reflects the shift from discussing leaders in brick-and-mortar retail to their counterparts in mail-order retail.
he correct punctuation in the given sentence is to replace the comma after 'Aaron Montgomery Ward' with a semicolon, making option a) the right choice.