Which action would best increase the sustainability of a business facing a shift toward pet-related customers?

• A. Add a new line of products catering to traditional house pets
• B. Increase staff
• C. Cut marketing
• D. Exit the pet market

Answer: (A)

When customer demand is shifting toward pets, the best move is to broaden offerings to capture that growing market while leveraging what the business already does well. Adding a new line of products for traditional house pets expands the product portfolio in a related area, making it easier to attract pet-owning customers who are looking for one-stop shopping. This creates more revenue opportunities, improves chances of repeat purchases, and can yield efficiencies through shared branding, marketing, and distribution channels. In short, it strengthens long-term viability by aligning the business with a rising customer segment and increasing revenue streams.

Increasing staff raises costs without guaranteed new sales. Cutting marketing reduces visibility just as demand is moving toward pet-related products. Exiting the pet market would throw away the opportunity to capitalize on the growing segment and lose market position.