Which statement accurately describes the effect of brand loyalty on new competitors in the industry?

Brand loyalty acts as a significant barrier for new brands entering an industry because it establishes a strong emotional connection and trust between existing customers and the established brand. When customers are loyal to a brand, they are less likely to switch to new competitors, even if the new brands offer potentially better products or lower prices. This loyalty makes it challenging for newcomers to gain market share, as they must invest heavily in marketing and promotions to persuade customers to try their products, often without the assurance of success.

Strong brand loyalty also results in consistent sales and helps existing brands maintain their market position. New entrants often find it difficult to draw consumers away from favorite brands that they perceive as reliable and of high quality. Therefore, the presence of brand loyalty not only limits the potential customer base for new competitors but also increases the overall cost and risk associated with entering a market dominated by established players.