There Are Now Far Fewer Independent Hardware Shops Than There

Multiple Choice

There are now far fewer independent hardware shops than there were in previous decades. The growth of large chain stores has forced many independent hardware stores to close, ultimately to the detriment of customers because a great variety of tools only carried in specialty stores are now much harder to find.
Which of the following is an assumption upon which the argument relies?

A) Chain stores offer better prices but worse selection than independent stores.
B) Hardware store customers would be better off if they could more easily find a larger variety of tools.
C) There are more chain stores now than five years ago.
D) Some hardware store customers value prices more than variety.
E) Some hardware store customers value variety more than prices.