What is NOT a shared characteristic of products in a category?

Products within a category indeed share several important characteristics that define their grouping. Items in a category typically offer similar benefits to consumers, which means they fulfill comparable needs or desires. This similarity in value and utility helps consumers understand what they can expect from these products and assists in the decision-making process.

Moreover, products in a category often have the potential to replace one another from the consumer's perspective. For example, if a consumer is looking for a snack, they might choose between chips, pretzels, or popcorn, as each serves the purpose of being a savory snack but differs in flavor and texture.

Another shared trait is that when these products are grouped together, they create a unified appeal. Retailers and marketers often take advantage of this unity to enhance the shopping experience, leveraging the idea that consumers looking for a particular type of product will find multiple suitable options conveniently located together, thereby simplifying their choice.

In contrast, the notion that products are anticipated to be on sale together is not a defining characteristic across all categories. While promotions may occur, they are not universally applicable to all products within a category simultaneously, as this can vary greatly based on factors such as manufacturer, retailer strategies, market demands, or seasonal sales. Therefore, it is not a