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.
According to the passage, which of the following is NOT cited as a challenge for small retailers?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
While the passage mentions that brick-and-mortar stores must contend with high utilities, it lists specific challenges specifically for small retailers later in the text:
Lack of technical expertise/capital to develop websites.
Reliance on third-party delivery services (which erodes profit margins).
Environmental impact/scrutiny regarding packaging and emissions.
Utility bills are mentioned as a general overhead for all physical stores, rather than a specific challenge cited for small retailers adapting to the e-commerce landscape.