Which of the following is a characteristic of merchandise that may affect its handling?

The fragility of an item is a critical characteristic that directly affects how merchandise is handled. Fragile items require more careful handling to prevent damage during storage, transportation, and display. For instance, if an item is easily breakable, retailers need to use specialized packing materials, adopt gentler handling procedures, and ensure that staff are trained to manage these items carefully.

In contrast, while durability, price point, and demand volume are relevant factors in retail, they do not inherently dictate the method of handling in the same way that fragility does. Durable products can be handled more robustly, low price point items might lead to higher volume but don’t necessitate special handling procedures, and items with high demand may require faster turnover without specific handling concerns tied to their physical characteristics. Therefore, fragility stands out as the characteristic that most significantly impacts handling practices.