Which of the following is the most important competitive factor in determining a company's ability to secure contracts to supply large multi-outlet retailers private-label footwear to chain retailers in a particular geographic region?
A. the number of special high-performance features the company agrees to incorporate in the private-label footwear models it supplies
B. the S/Q ratings on the private-label footwear the company offers to supply
C. the price at which the company offers to supply retailers with private-label pairs
D. the company's brand reputation
E. the amount and caliber of merchandising and promotional support the company offers to provide