KarstadtQuelle, a German Company, Is the World's Largest Department Store

KarstadtQuelle, a German company, is the world's largest department store operator. The company has recently expanded into tourism and the mail-order business as profits from its traditional department stores has declined. Which of the following would help to explain why profits at KarstadtQuelle department stores are declining?

A) The worldwide economy is in the prosperity cycle.
B) Department stores are in the growth stage of the product life cycle.
C) Operating costs at department stores are considerably higher than other types of retail operation.
D) Department stores do not carry middlemen's brands.
E) Other types of retailers with lower prices offer more services than department stores can.