Conc: Therefore , unless Buddy's can expand into a new market segment , it too is likely to go out of business.

The argument gives us a causality in conclusion. If not A then B

PT: In order to strengthen this conc we need to give evidence to support the conclusion.

a. Most of the fasteners that Buddy's carries in inventory are not specialized and can be used in a wide variety of industries . - Opposite. This gives us a reason why Buddy's will never close

b. Historically , period with a lot of closures of workshops and manufacturing firms have generally been followed by periods with many startups of such firms. - Opposite. Again provides another reason for business to sustain

c. Even with the recent closures , there are more workshops and manufacturing firms operating in the region now than there were when Buddy's Bolt Barn first opened. - Irrelevant. We don't know what do these firms supply. Are they in the same business as buddy if yes they weaken the conclusion and if not they strengthen.

d. The workshops and manufacturing firms in the region that have remained in business have all laid of workers because of shortage of orders. - Correct. This proves that indeed there is no work in the workshops and manufacturing sector and hence increases our belief in the fact that if buddy doesn't take alternate measures, he will go out of business

e. Some of Buddy's managers have prior retail experience in other market segments.[/quote] - OFS. Retail experience and buddy;s managers are both out of scope and has no bearance on buddy's business