Which of the following are reasons marketers must adapt their global distribution strategies for developing countries?

• A. Only online retailers exist in developing countries
• B. There is no need to adapt distribution strategies
• C. Consumers in developing countries have identical shopping patterns to developed countries
• D. Consumers shop in small, family-owned retail outlets and it is difficult to transport products to retailers in remote areas

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that distribution strategies must fit how shopping actually happens in developing countries. In many of these markets, the retail scene is highly fragmented, with many small, family‑owned outlets, local wholesalers, and informal shops rather than a few large modern retailers. There are also significant transportation and infrastructure challenges, especially in remote areas, which make it hard to move products quickly and cost‑effectively from central warehouses to every retailer. Because of this, marketers need to design distribution networks that can reach these smaller outlets, work through local intermediaries who know the terrain, and accommodate longer and less predictable supply chains. This reality explains why adaptation is essential: it’s about meeting customers where they shop, ensuring product availability, and delivering in a way that fits local logistics and payment practices.

The other statements don’t fit because assuming only online retailers exist ignores the reality that many customers still rely on brick‑and‑m mortar shops; claiming there’s no need to adapt contradicts the different retail structures and logistics; and insisting that shopping patterns are identical oversimplifies marked differences in consumer behavior between developing and developed markets.