Set 2 Part 6

27. The first sentence in paragraph 1 implies that

• A.retail habits of Americans are changing

• B. there is a need for a mall for Burlington residents

• C. there is a wide range of goods offered in the mall

• D. the latest fashion is available at the Burlington Centre Mall

Answer explanation

The sentence states that when the Burlington Center Mall opened in 1982, shoppers no longer had to travel downtown for various items such as the latest fashion, children's high chairs, or gas-powered lawn mowers. This implies that the mall provides a diverse selection of goods, including fashion items, furniture for children, and lawn equipment. The mention of these specific items suggests that the mall offers a wide range of products, catering to different needs and preferences of shoppers.

28. What is paragraph 2 mainly about?

• A. The activities in an e-commerce company.

• B. The need for a large building for an e-commerce company.

• C. Employment opportunities offered by an e-commerce company.

• D. The specialised retail service provided by an e-commerce operation.

Answer explanation

The paragraph describes the operations taking place at Amazon's fulfillment center in New Jersey, where thousands of people and robots work together to store, pick, pack, and ship the company's inventory. It mentions the use of a vast network of conveyor belts and the ability to provide same-day delivery. Additionally, the paragraph states that other e-commerce companies are following Amazon's lead by offering specialized retail services. Overall, the paragraph focuses on the activities and operations within an e-commerce company, highlighting the scale and efficiency of their processes.

29. The idea is that you can buy your next couch without getting up from your couch implies that

• A. e-commerce makes people lazy

• B. retail is now made easy for customers

• C. people get attracted to online shopping

• D. e-shoppers have more time to make purchases

Answer explanation

The sentence suggests that customers have the convenience of purchasing a couch without needing to physically visit a store or leave their current location. The idea that you can buy a couch from the comfort of your own couch implies that retail has become more convenient and accessible for customers. It implies that customers can browse and purchase a wide range of products from the comfort of their homes, highlighting the ease and simplicity of the retail experience.

30. The central idea in paragraph 4 is

• A. department stores are struggling with huge losses

• B. the total volume of e-retail business has a small margin

• C. Americans have a preference to buy online than in shopping malls

• D. it is becoming increasingly difficult for physical retails stores to survive

31. What can be concluded about zombie malls?

• A. They are occupied.

• B. They need a face lift.

• C. They are costly to maintain

• D. They have mostly outlived their purpose.

Answer explanation

The conclusion that can be drawn about zombie malls is that they have mostly outlived their purpose. The text describes how zombie malls, which are abandoned or struggling shopping malls, are becoming more common in suburban areas. The malls may still have functioning infrastructure, such as working escalators and lights, but they have lost their original purpose as many tenants have closed down. The example of Burlington Centre, which now has fewer tenants compared to its past, further supports the notion that zombie malls have outlived their purpose. Additionally, the mention of stalled renovation plans suggests a lack of revitalization efforts, further contributing to the conclusion that these malls have lost their relevance.

32. The Mall at Short Hills is thriving because of the following except

• A. it is well supported by affluent clients

• B. it attracts tenants to run their business there

• C. it is managed by a research and advisory firm

• D. it provides a great range of services to its customers

Answer explanation

The given text states that The Mall at Short Hills is thriving due to its wealthy demographic and evolving line-up of tenants and services. It mentions that the mall has achieved an A++ rating based on metrics such as sales per square foot, quality of anchor tenants, and other factors. However, it does not explicitly state that the mall provides a great range of services to its customers. Therefore, the exception is that the mall provides a great range of services to its customers.

33. The intention of the writer to mention Bonobos is

• A. highlight new luxurious products

• B portray a new retailing experience

• C promote the new line of men's clothing

• D emphasise the success of a new retailer

Answer explanation

The intention of the writer to mention Bonobos is to portray a new retailing experience. The text mentions that Bonobos, an online retailer of men's clothing, has opened physical shops where customers can try on clothes and find the best fit. However, the unique aspect is that customers do not walk out of the store with their purchase; instead, the purchased items are shipped to their door. This highlights a different approach to retail where the physical store serves as a showroom rather than a traditional point of sale.