The growth stage of the product life cycle is characterized by:
A) a gradual increase in sales even though only a few competitors appear.
B) a gradual leveling off of sales and the appearance of a many strong competitors.
C) rapid increases in sales and the appearance of competitors.
D) a rapid decline in profits and product units as competition becomes more fierce.
E) a leveling off of sales and a gradual loss of competitors as products get positioned in consumers' minds.
Answer: rapid increases in sales and the appearance of competitors