Final answer:
The rate of change in retailing globally is primarily due to advancements in technology and the effects of globalization, which have expanded competition and changed market dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of distribution patterns, the rate of change in retailing around the world appears to be directly related to the interconnected shifts in technology and globalization. Technological advancements, particularly in communications technologies such as the development of the internet, have enabled consumers to order products from anywhere, vastly increasing the scope and degree of competition for local retailers. Additionally, globalization has led to a rise in business-to-business online platforms that facilitate connections and transactions between buyers and suppliers globally, further intensifying competition and altering traditional market dynamics.