What is characteristic of an independent establishment in the retail industry?

An independent establishment in the retail industry is characterized by being a single store or a small regional chain. This type of retail operation typically operates without the affiliation of a larger corporation or franchising system, allowing it to maintain autonomy over its business practices and product selection. Independent stores often focus on niche markets, personalized customer service, and community involvement, which can differentiate them from larger corporate entities.

Larger corporate franchises, while they may have local operations, are part of a larger organizational structure that dictates a uniformity in branding and operational standards across all locations. An online selling platform, though it may represent an independent retailer, does not inherently define the nature of a brick-and-mortar independent establishment. Similarly, temporary pop-up stores represent a different business model, focusing on short-term retail strategies, rather than the consistent presence attributed to independent establishments. Therefore, the defining characteristic of independent retailers lies in their singular approach and smaller scale, as highlighted in the correct answer.