a) B2C businesses provide goods and services to the general public, i.e. consumers. HMV sell music, books and DVDs (via Waterstones) to private individuals and can therefore be classed as a B2C business.

b) Reasons include: the convenience of online retailing, cheaper prices online, ability to ‘shop' for the best bargains without having to visit various retail outlets; the ability of customers to buy just the music / tunes they want rather than whole albums, enhanced online security has also attracted many buyers to switch to e-commerce.

c) Any other strategy that is fully explained would permit full marks. Examples include: Marketing its own website; Placing a greater importance on selling music and DVD products online, Allowing customers to pay by more handy methods, such as improved online security, Loyalty schemes, Any other relevant marketing strategy.