Which placement strategy involves manufacturers granting sole geographic territories to one or very few retailers so no other retailers in the territory can sell a particular brand?

• A. Global
• B. Limited
• C. Exclusive
• D. Selective Distribution

Answer: (D)

Exclusive distribution means granting sole rights to sell a brand in a specific geographic area, so only one retailer or a very small number of retailers can carry that brand there. This arrangement gives the manufacturer tight control over who sells the product in that territory, helps protect brand image, and prevents other outlets in the same area from competing for that brand. The description in the question—one retailer or a few in a territory with no others allowed to sell the brand—fits this approach exactly.

Global distribution focuses on selling across many regions worldwide, not on exclusive rights in a particular area. Limited distribution tightens the overall number of outlets but doesn’t inherently grant exclusive rights in a territory. Selective distribution involves choosing a limited set of retailers based on criteria, but multiple dealers in a territory may still carry the brand, so the rights aren’t exclusive.