For a firm such as Nordstrom that has no manufacturing operations, value is added by developing expertise in the procurement of finished goods and by displaying them in its stores in a way that enhances sales. In the value chain, procurement activities become the primary activity. This begins with ____ and ends with ____.
a) purchasing goods; operating stores
b) managing and distributing inventory; marketing and selling
c) partnering with vendors; operating stores
d) partnering with vendors; marketing and selling