Final answer:
E-tailers are retailers that operate online and their primary function is to engage consumers to encourage direct purchases or other marketing outcomes (option 'a'). They leverage the advancements in technology and globalization to offer a wide array of products and competitive pricing, which in turn increases competition among retailers and convenience for consumers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the definition of e-tailers. An e-tailer is a retailer that sells goods and services on the internet. Considering the given options, option 'a' accurately describes e-tailers: Engages consumers to move them closer to a direct purchase or other marketing outcome. E-tailers use the internet to reach a wider audience beyond geographical borders, thus benefiting from the advancements in communications technologies and globalization. This online presence increases competition among retail businesses and offers convenience to consumers who can shop from anywhere at any time. Two famous examples of e-tailers include Amazon and business-to-business platforms, which transform traditional market dynamics into a virtual shopping experience.
In contrast to traditional brick-and-mortar stores, online retailers or e-tailers enhance the shopping experience by providing convenience, a wide range of products, competitive pricing, and personalized marketing techniques to encourage direct purchases. They have transformed traditional shopping methods by leveraging technology to facilitate transactions without requiring a physical retail space.
While options 'b', 'c', and 'd' represent other aspects of digital interaction and traditional retail, they do not align with the core functions of an e-tailer which is centered around leveraging the internet to sell products and services and engage consumers towards making purchases.