SSC Stenographer 2025 PYQ — Question 106

SSC Stenographer - 06 Aug 2025 - Shift 1 • English • Q106

Read the following passage and answer the questions based on the passage:

The rise of e-commerce has dramatically reshaped retail landscapes around the world. Consumers now enjoy unprecedented convenience, i.e., with only a click, we can compare prices, read reviews, and deliver goods directly to their doors. Brick-and-mortar stores, in contrast, must contend with higher overheads – rent, utilities, and staffing – that online retailers often avoid. Many physical shops have adopted "omnichannel" strategies to stay competitive, integrating their online and in-store experiences. For example, customers might order online and pick up in-store or use a mobile app to check real-time stock levels before visiting. However, some challenges still persist for small retailers because they lack the technical expertise or capital to develop user-friendly websites, and excessive reliance on third-party delivery services can erode profit margins. Moreover, the environmental impact of rapid shipping – packaging waste and increased carbon emissions – is increasingly under scrutiny. As e-commerce continues its ascent, the most successful retailers will combine digital innovation with sustainable practices and a personalized customer experience.

Which inference is best supported by the passage?

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The final sentence of the text explicitly states: "As e-commerce continues its ascent, the most successful retailers will combine digital innovation with sustainable practices and a personalized customer experience."

Therefore, the best-supported inference is “Personalized experiences are key to future retail success”.