四、閱讀測驗【請在下列各題中選出最適當的答案】
In recent years, a significant trend has emerged across various sectors of the American economy, as
companies have started to streamline their product offerings. This movement, which predates the COVID-19
pandemic, has become more pronounced in recent months. Coca-Cola, for instance, has halved its beverage
portfolio, discontinuing around 200 of its drink varieties, including notable products like Tab, Zico coconut water,
Diet Coke Feisty Cherry, and Odwalla juices. This trend is not exclusive to the beverage industry; it extends to
food items, from mayonnaise to cereals, and even to the automotive sector, where companies are reducing the
number of car models and options to concentrate on best-sellers.
Retail chains like Stew Leonard’s have dramatically cut down their cereal offerings, and Edgewell Personal
Care Co., known for Schick razors and Banana Boat suntan lotion, has similarly streamlined its product lines.
Dollar General has reduced its mayonnaise varieties, emphasizing efficiency over variety.This strategy reflects a
deeper understanding of consumer behavior, suggesting that too many choices can be overwhelming and
counterproductive. Market research supports this approach, indicating that new products now make up a smaller
percentage of store items compared to pre-pandemic levels. Studies have shown that a limited selection can result
in increased sales, a phenomenon highlighted by psychologists Sheena Iyengar and Mark Lepper in their jam
study, which found that consumers were more likely to make a purchase when presented with fewer options.
This shift towards simplification is a strategic response to changing market dynamics and consumer
preferences, emphasizing the importance of focused and efficient product assortments. Retailers and
manufacturers are navigating these changes with careful planning to ensure they meet consumer needs without
cluttering the marketplace. 【題組】49. According to studies, how does limited selection affect consumer purchases?
(A) Increases likelihood of purchase (B) Decreases likelihood of purchase
(C) Has no significant effect (D) Causes confusion among consumers