Final answer:
A virtual shopping environment is used to test new products and marketing tactics online, influenced by market changes due to advancements in technology and globalization. This environment helps to simulate consumer behavior and preferences, facilitating business strategies in the digitally connected world.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a virtual shopping environment, new products and marketing tactics are tested online. This approach is part of a broader trend in market evolution influenced by significant shifts towards technology and globalization. An example of this is a new laundry detergent being tested, where consumer preference for the new brand over an existing one is of interest. The virtual environment allows for the simulation of consumer behavior in a controlled setting, making it possible to gather insights without the logistics of a physical market test. This has been facilitated by the development of communication technologies and the internet, enabling businesses to reach a global audience and compete in a broader marketplace.
The digitization of commerce has revolutionized consumer interaction with markets. Physical stores and the dynamics of local retail competition have been transformed by online purchasing, business-to-business websites, and digital marketing strategies. Even in traditional brick-and-mortar stores, consumers use technologies to break the monotony by engaging in social activities.