(B) persistent...irritated
The correct answer is (B) persistent…irritated. In the context of the sentence, it describes salesmen who are very determined and possibly annoying in their efforts to sell garments to customers, to the point that the customers feel bothered by their aggressive sales tactics. This sense of overbearing persistence can lead to irritation among customers who prefer to browse without heavy sales pressure.
Such sales tactics might be part of a broader strategy in which businesses engage in a 'limbic system arms race' to captivate consumer attention and compete against others in the market. Entrepreneurs aim to overcome various barriers such as consumer prejudice and tradition to generate interest in their products, but must do so persuasively rather than coercively.
The best answer to fill in the blanks is (B) persistent…irritated. This choice accurately describes how relentless salesmen can cause a feeling of annoyance in customers. The completed sentence conveys the overwhelming nature of the salesmen's approach effectively.
;