Chain stores are retail outlets that operate under a single brand and have multiple locations. The most appropriate characteristic is that chain stores employ highly skilled specialists in many executive tasks to maintain standardization and operational efficiency across different locations. This includes tasks like inventory management, human resource management, and customer service, which require specialized skills.
Option (A) is incorrect because chain stores may not be equally effective in rural and urban areas due to differences in infrastructure, consumer preferences, and purchasing power.
Option (B) is incorrect because chain stores generally focus on retail trading and not wholesale trading.
Option (D) is incorrect because chain stores provide services to a wide range of consumers, not just those who can afford to pay, and aim to serve a larger customer base. Thus, the correct answer is (C).