Which factor does NOT affect the size of a trade area?

The factor that does not affect the size of a trade area is the seasonality of merchandise. The size of a trade area is primarily influenced by how easily customers can reach a store (accessibility), the presence of competing retailers in the vicinity (location of alternative sources), and the characteristics of the products being sold (nature of merchandise).

While seasonality may impact inventory and sales levels, it does not play a direct role in determining the geographical reach of a retail business. A store's trade area is more significantly shaped by factors that influence customer traffic on a consistent basis, rather than fluctuations related to specific times of the year. Therefore, seasonality does not have a lasting impact on the physical size of the trade area where customers are likely to travel from to purchase goods.