Which of the following best describes the activities in distribution channels?

The accurate description of activities in distribution channels revolves around being product-oriented, marketing-centric, and customer-oriented. Distribution channels serve as the pathways through which products flow from the producer to the consumer. This involves not only the logistics of physically moving the products but also ensuring that marketing strategies align with customer needs and preferences.

Being product-oriented means that the distribution channel must effectively handle various products and their unique requirements as they reach the market. The marketing-centric aspect highlights how crucial these channels are in executing marketing strategies, promoting the product, and facilitating sales efforts. Finally, a customer-oriented approach ensures that the distribution channels meet the expectations and needs of the consumers, which is essential for building relationships and driving sales.

In contrast, other options focus on narrower aspects or fail to encompass the comprehensive nature of distribution channels. For instance, being strictly logistics and financial overlooks the significant marketing tasks involved. Similarly, options limited to marketing or describing the approach as informal do not adequately represent the multifaceted role that distribution plays in a successful marketing strategy. The best comprehensive view recognizes the interconnectedness of product flow, marketing strategies, and customer engagement, making option C the most accurate.