Read the passage below and identify which of the

Solution

Analysis of the Argument: The passage asserts that luxury retail is "recession-proof" and that physical boutiques are the primary driver of success because affluent consumers prefer in-store experiences. To weaken this, we need evidence that the physical model is struggling or that consumer preference is shifting away from stores. Statement I follows: This weakens the argument by showing that the "in-store experience" preference is declining. If foot traffic is dropping because buyers are moving to digital platforms, the assertion that physical boutiques are the core of the sector's strength is undermined. Statement II follows: This weakens the argument by showing that even if profits are currently high, the physical model is not "recession-proof" or sustainable, as brands are being forced to close flagship stores due to costs. Statement III is incorrect: This describes a surge in the resale market in physical shops. This actually tends to strengthen (or at least support) the idea that physical retail is still relevant to luxury consumers, rather than weakening the argument.