Questions: This activity allows Frigidaire to stay abreast of which factor of the external environment?

The answer is: Competition.

Explanation for each option:

1. Social: This factor pertains to societal trends, demographics, and cultural aspects that can influence consumer behavior and preferences. While technological features in appliances can be influenced by social trends, the activity described in the question—visiting competitors' displays to see their new products—does not directly relate to social factors.

2. Competition: This factor involves understanding and analyzing the actions, products, and strategies of rival companies within the same industry. By visiting the displays of other brands like Samsung, GE, and LG, Frigidaire representatives are gathering information on their competitors' new products and technological advancements. This helps Frigidaire stay competitive by understanding what their rivals are offering and potentially identifying areas for improvement or innovation in their own products.

3. Political and legal: This factor includes regulations, laws, and government policies that can affect how companies operate. The activity described does not involve any political or legal aspects, such as compliance with regulations or changes in laws.

4. Consumer: This factor focuses on the preferences, needs, and behaviors of consumers. While understanding consumer needs is crucial for product development, the specific activity of visiting competitors' displays is more about understanding the competitive landscape rather than directly assessing consumer preferences.

Therefore, the correct answer is Competition.