The makers of Tide Detergent recently created "pods" of the product, characterized by a small, square, plastic-wrapped packet that was easier to use. Since it is packaged in these square pods, it requires no measuring and can be transported more easily if one is carrying clothes to a laundromat. This change in packaging is a strategy that can most likely help boost sales in the ____ stage of the product life cycle.

Based on the information provided within the question it can be said that in this scenario the Tide Detergent "pods" product is in the maturity stage of the product life cycle. This stage is characterized by being the longest stage in the cycle and in which sales begin to decline because the product has reached the apex of the demand curve. Advertisement in this stage has little effect on sales for the product and instead the best option would be to make changes to the product in order to lower costs and thus increase more profits, which is what they have done by making the product easier and more affordable to transport