The retail sector is an integral part of a national economy. From the political economy perspective, all consumer goods have surplus values locked up in them; the surplus values are not realized until the consumer goods are purchased by consumers through various distribution channels. As such, retailing is the essential link between production and consumption.

The success of a retail business depends on two general factors: the location of the retail outlet, and management of the business. Both factors are equally important. If the business is located in the wrong place with the wrong customer base, it will not generate expected sales. Similarly, if the business is poorly managed and operated, it will not perform well even if the location is right. Influenced by both traditional and new location theories, Retail Geography is conceptualized and organized using the retail planning process as the framework. The technical and methodological chapters help guide the reader with detailed descriptions of the techniques and are supported with practical examples to reflect the latest software development.

Retail Geography provides a state-of-the-art summary and will act as a core textbook for undergraduate and graduate students of economic geography interested in specializing in retail and business geography. The practical examples also make it a valuable handbook for practitioners in the field, as well as students of retail management and commercial real estate management.

About the Author

Shuguang Wang is Professor of Geography at Ryerson University, Canada. He has taught retail geography for 20 years and is well versed in the various theories and methods. He has published widely on retailing topics and has presented multiple papers at international conferences. He research on this subject culminated with the publication of China's New Retail Economy: A Geographic Perspective (Routledge, 2014).

Paul Du is an experienced spatial analyst. After obtaining a Master of Spatial Analysis degree in 2005, he worked as a GIS Analyst at Ryerson University's Centre for the Study of Commercial Activity, Canada, for seven and a half years, where he completed many retail-related research projects. In the recent past, he collaborated with Shuguang Wang to develop and test several major retail geography labs.

Reviews

"By providing a geographical perspective on current trends in in retailing, Retail Geography provides a valuable alternative to the texts used in University level retailing programs. The use of examples and cases from Asia and North America graphically illustrate the international scope of retailing and the importance of a geographical viewpoint in studying retail activity." - John Dawson, Professor Emeritus, Universities of Edinburgh and Stirling, UK

"A much needed and updated resource to address the changes in the physical retail landscape via an increased emphasis in logistics and geospatial technologies. Shuguang Wang and Paul Du's Retail Geography builds on the previous literature in the field, reflecting on the many advances in geospatial technologies through the lens of market segmentation, the external retail environment, trade areas and site election (regional and site level) and the importance of logistics." - Brett J. Lucas, MA; Chair (2018-2020) of the Business Geography Specialty Group of the American Association of Geographers

"This is the book that the retail geography field needs now. Not only is this volume an indispensable update on the state of the retail industry from a geographic perspective, it also provides expert commentary on recent changes in retail technology and theory that have not been adequately discussed in any other geography textbook. Wang and Du have written the essential reference for contemporary retail geography teaching and practice." - Murray D. Rice, Ph.D., Professor in the Department of Geography and the Environment, University of North Texas, USA, and Executive Director at Applied Geography Conference, Inc.

"By providing a geographical perspective on current trends in in retailing, Retail Geography provides a valuable alternative to the texts used in University level retailing programs. The use of examples and cases from Asia and North America graphically illustrate the international scope of retailing and the importance of a geographical viewpoint in studying retail activity." - John Dawson, Professor Emeritus, Universities of Edinburgh and Stirling, UK

"A much needed and updated resource to address the changes in the physical retail landscape via an increased emphasis in logistics and geospatial technologies. Shuguang Wang and Paul Du's Retail Geography builds on the previous literature in the field, reflecting on the many advances in geospatial technologies through the lens of market segmentation, the external retail environment, trade areas and site election (regional and site level) and the importance of logistics." - Brett J. Lucas, MA; Chair (2018-2020) of the Business Geography Specialty Group of the American Association of Geographers

"This is the book that the retail geography field needs now. Not only is this volume an indispensable update on the state of the retail industry from a geographic perspective, it also provides expert commentary on recent changes in retail technology and theory that have not been adequately discussed in any other geography textbook. Wang and Du have written the essential reference for contemporary retail geography teaching and practice." - Murray D. Rice, Ph.D., Professor in the Department of Geography and the Environment, University of North Texas, USA, and Executive Director at Applied Geography Conference, Inc.

"Retail Geography provides a much needed addition to textbooks in the field. It goes beyond covering just traditional retail demand-supply by integrating material on the increasingly complex omni-channel environment that retailers face today. A great resource for undergraduate and graduate students in geography and business." - Dr. Tony Hernandez, Director and Eaton Chair in Retailing, Centre for the Study of Commercial Activity (CSCA), Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada

"A remarkably comprehensive textbook on retail geography. Clearly written, well structured, effectively illustrated and highly relevant to geographical technologies. A must-read for students interested in retail geography, retail management or commercial real estate development and a useful handbook for retail planning practitioners." - Ling Zhang, University of Central Arkansas, USA

Book Information
ISBN 9780367435110
Author Shuguang Wang
Format Paperback
Page Count 238
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 340g