According to the competitive pressures, which group poses a relatively weak threat of additional entry into the marketplace?

The correct choice highlights that brand new competitors pose a relatively weak threat of entry into the marketplace. This can be attributed to several barriers that new entrants often face, such as high capital requirements, economies of scale enjoyed by established firms, brand recognition, and customer loyalty already established by existing players.

In many industries, especially those with strong brands like Lululemon, gaining market share can be particularly challenging for newcomers. Established companies often have the resources and marketing strategies necessary to maintain their market dominance. Therefore, while new entrants may emerge, they typically do not pose an immediate and significant threat compared to established competitors or those with innovative products, which can disrupt the market dynamics.

In contrast, existing competitors already have a foothold in the market, and those with innovative products can directly challenge the status quo, while competitors with established consumer loyalty are likely to retain customers effectively. These factors underline why the threat from brand new competitors is weaker in comparison.