What type of business contrasts with a traditional 'brick and mortar' establishment?

An online business stands in contrast to a traditional 'brick and mortar' establishment because it operates primarily through the internet rather than in a physical retail space. Brick and mortar businesses have a physical presence where customers can visit, browse, and make purchases, whereas online businesses enable transactions and customer interactions through websites or apps, often without a physical storefront.

This difference highlights the evolution of commerce in the digital age, where consumers can shop from anywhere, at any time, without the limitations of location that physical stores face. Online businesses can reach a broader audience, eliminate many overhead costs like rent and utilities associated with physical locations, and often provide unique services, such as direct home delivery or digital products.

The other types of businesses mentioned can still have physical aspects or be categorized differently; for example, a mobile service provider provides services but still relies on physical interactions at certain points, a franchised location often mirrors brick and mortar operations, and a manufacturing unit, while it might not operate as a retail establishment, typically involves a physical facility for production. These characteristics keep them somewhat aligned with traditional commerce, unlike the fully digital nature of an online business.