Over 30% of the stores in Smithtown Mall went out of business in the last two years. During this time period, major road construction resulted in significant delays along the main access roads to the mall. While some have attributed the closings to the nationwide recession, the more likely cause is the road construction, which made it difficult for customers to reach the mall.

Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?


A. Traffic delays from the construction were most severe on weekday mornings.

B. A large percentage of mall visitors live in surrounding apartment buildings and can walk to the mall.

C. Many of the stores that remained in business make a large percentage of their sales online.

D. Most stores in Smithtown Mall reported relatively low profit margins in a survey taken four years ago.

E. Several stores in a competing mall located across town have closed within the last two years.

OA C

Source: Manhattan Prep