A2 Retail Locations
Town Centre
Town centres are typically the heart of a city or town where there are lots of shops , restaurants, cultural landmarks, entertainment and other businesses located. These provide a focal point for the community and are places that people living in the area visit regularly.
Benefits of locating in town centres
High foot traffic: Town centres attract many people who visit other shops, restaurants etc, leading to increased exposure and potential customers for retailers.
Convenience: Town centres are often easily accessible by public transportation, making it convenient for shoppers.
Supply chain: Other shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues in town centres can make it easier for businesses to find suppliers.
Drawbacks of locating in town centres
Limited space: Retail space in town centres may be limited and expensive, making it challenging for certain businesses to establish a presence.
High competition: The concentration of retailers in town centres means businesses must compete with numerous other establishments nearby.
Parking limitations: Limited parking spaces in town centres can deter some customers who prefer to drive.
Local Retail Locations
Local retail locations are areas within communities outside of the town centre. This may be in a village or the suburbs of a city or a town They contain retailers that meet the needs of people living in those neighbourhoods. This may include grocery stores, bakeries, small hardware stores, barber shops and cafes.
Benefits of local retail locations
Proximity to residents: As stores are located closer to their customers, it creates convenience through shorter travel distances. Customers can walk or take a short drive or bus ride to purchase goods and services,
Personalised service: Local retailers can get to know their customers and their specific needs through more regular interactions.
Community support: Local businesses can provide jobs, essential goods and services and help create a sense of community.
Drawbacks of local retail locations
Limited product selection: Local stores usually have smaller premises and lack storage space to stock a wide range of products. This can limit the choices available.
Higher prices: Smaller stores have higher unit costs than larger chain stores as they do not benefit from economies of scale.
Limited operating hours: Local businesses likely have less staff limiting the times they can be open. This makes them less convenient to customers who need more flexible opening hours.
Out-of-Town Retail Locations
Out-of-town retail locations are typically positioned on the outskirts of cities or towns, away from the central areas. They generally have good transport links, lots of parking and have a wide range of retailers. They may include open-air retail parks or covered regional centres (shopping malls).
Examples of regional centres in the UK include Westfield London, The Trafford Centre, Bluewater, Meadowhall and the Bullring.
Benefits of Out-of-Town Retail Locations
Convenience: Good transport links, parking and a range of retailers in one place make the experience faster and easier for shoppers, especially those who drive or purchase large items.
Variety and flexibility: Larger spaces allow retailers to store a wide range of goods. This provides more variety for consumers.
Lower costs: Cheaper rents in out-of-town locations allow businesses to set more competitive prices.
All-in-one leisure experience: Out-of-town locations often have food outlets, cinemas and other entertainment centres allowing customers to meet multiple needs in one trip.
Drawbacks of Out-of-Town Retail Locations
Lack of small businesses: The large spaces in retail parks are inappropriate for small businesses. This limits the range of options for shoppers to large chains resulting in a less interesting shopping experience.
Limited access for non-drivers: Locations on the outskirts of towns can be more difficult to reach for non-drivers leading to some demographics being excluded from the benefits of these locations.
Reduced foot traffic: Out-of-town locations may have lower foot traffic compared to town centres where large populations frequent for work. This can result in fewer customers.
