Final answer:
Retailing refers to the sale of products and services to the end user, including those purchased in stores, online, or through other empirical methods (d). It has been greatly influenced by technology and globalization, increasing competition among retailers and transforming traditional business practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The business activities that encompass the purchase of products at stores, through catalogs, and over the internet, as well as services such as fast-food restaurants, airlines, and hotels, are referred to as retailing. Retailing is the process by which goods or services are sold to the end user, essentially encompassing all business transactions where the purchaser intends to consume the product or service rather than resell it.
With advancements in communications technology and the influence of globalization, retail markets have expanded beyond local storefronts, with consumers now able to make purchases from all over the globe via online platforms. This has greatly increased competition for traditional retail businesses. Moreover, online 'business-to-business' websites have amplified this effect in the supply markets, emphasizing the interconnectedness of global commerce.