Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow.
PassageTap to readHide
The rise of e-commerce has dramatically reshaped retail landscapes around the world. Consumers now enjoy unprecedented convenience, i.e., with only a click, we can compare prices, read reviews, and deliver goods directly to their doors. Brick-and-mortar stores, in contrast, must contend with higher overheads - rent, utilities, and staffing - that online retailers often avoid. Many physical shops have adopted "omnichannel" strategies to stay competitive, integrating their online and in-store experiences. For example, customers might order online and pick up in - store or use a mobile app to check real-time stock levels before visiting. However, some challenges still persist for small retailers because they lack the technical expertise or capital to develop user-friendly websites, and excessive reliance on third-party delivery services can erode profit margins. Moreover, the environmental impact of rapid shipping - packaging waste and increased carbon emissions - is increasingly under scrutiny. As e-commerce continues its ascent, the most successful retailers will combine digital innovation with sustainable practices and a personalized customer experience.
In context, the word "overheads" most nearly means:
Show answerAnswer & explanation
Correct option: B — Fixed expenses
fixed expenses In the passage, "overheads" refers to costs like rent, utilities, and staffing that physical stores must pay regularly. These are fixed operating expenses, not profits, revenues, or discounts.
