Which factor produced the global expansion of athletic clothing and equipment?

Which factor produced the global expansion of athletic clothing and equipment?

• A. The Internet
• B. Cheaper labor and manufacturing costs
• C. More accessible air travel
• D. Explosion in global sport

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that global expansion of athletic clothing and equipment is driven by cost advantages in production. When firms can shift manufacturing to places with lower labor costs and favorable production conditions, they slash unit costs and can make and ship products at scale to many markets. That combination—lower costs plus the ability to supply worldwide—lets brands standardize products, build large international supply chains, and reach retailers and consumers across the globe. The Internet does support international marketing and e-commerce, but it isn’t the primary force behind expanding where and how these products are made. More accessible air travel helps move people and goods more quickly, aiding distribution, yet the key growth lever is the savings from cheaper manufacturing. An explosion in global sport can boost demand, but without affordable production, expanding production globally wouldn’t be sustainable.

The main idea is that global expansion of athletic clothing and equipment is driven by cost advantages in production. When firms can shift manufacturing to places with lower labor costs and favorable production conditions, they slash unit costs and can make and ship products at scale to many markets. That combination—lower costs plus the ability to supply worldwide—lets brands standardize products, build large international supply chains, and reach retailers and consumers across the globe.

The Internet does support international marketing and e-commerce, but it isn’t the primary force behind expanding where and how these products are made. More accessible air travel helps move people and goods more quickly, aiding distribution, yet the key growth lever is the savings from cheaper manufacturing. An explosion in global sport can boost demand, but without affordable production, expanding production globally wouldn’t be sustainable.