A limited number of retailers selling a product demonstrates what type of distribution?

Selective distribution is characterized by a strategy where a limited number of retailers or outlets are chosen to sell a particular product. This approach allows a manufacturer to maintain greater control over how the product is promoted and sold, while also ensuring that it is available in locations where it achieves maximum market impact. By selecting specific retailers, the brand can build a more dedicated and knowledgeable sales force that understands the product's value proposition, enhancing customer experience and brand loyalty.

This method is effective for products that require a certain level of expertise or customer service during the sales process. It strikes a balance between exclusivity and accessibility, allowing the brand to reach a selective audience without overwhelming potential customers with too many purchasing options.

The other types of distribution, such as exclusive distribution, involve even fewer outlets typically confined to a single retailer per area, whereas intensive distribution aims to make a product available in as many locations as possible. Direct distribution does not involve intermediaries at all, often leading directly from manufacturer to consumer.