Effects of Consumer Income Differences On the Business Provisions of Small Shopping Centres

Abstract

A case study is presented of the ways in which income differences between two outlying residential areas of Leeds affect the quantity and quality of shopping facilities found within them. Cursory appraisal of the stores in each area suggests their functional range of provisions and mode of business are highly similar; but more detailed classifications show important distinctions. Although there are slightly fewer establishments in the low income area than in the high income area, a much greater variety of goods and services are actually offered since the stores are less specialised in any particular trade. Broad differences in threshold values between the stores in each area are therefore perceived and varying patterns of consumer behaviour inferred. Implications for the central place farmework of a hierarchy of shopping centres are also discussed.