Service outlets in shopping centres: problems and policies

Although there has been a profusion of studies on most aspects of retailing during the post-war period, the rapid growth of service outlets in traditional shopping centres is one component of retail change that has attracted relatively little attention or research effort. However, the scale and momentum of service business expansion raises many questions about the promotion and maintenance of a balanced retail environment. Based upon field research undertaken within shopping centres in South West England, the rate of expansion and extent of quasi-retail activity are determined for various sizes and types of centre. In addition, the underlying growth factors, organisational structures and future growth potentials of the principal quasi-retail uses are investigated. With detailed reference to local authority planning registers the pressures for retail to service change of use are evaluated, and the many planning issues and problems associated with quasi-retail activity highlighted. Questionnaire replies received from shopkeepers and quasi-retail operators in South West England indicate that both types of business share almost identical locational characteristics and requirements, but that service uses experience the greater difficulty in obtaining planning consent for new units. A survey of local authorities shows that there currently exists a a great diversity in the planning response to quasi-retail development. Contact with shopkeepers at a local level suggests that retailers' criticisms of the numbers, locations and characteristics of service outlets are much less condemning than hitherto assumed, and in actuality appear to be patchy, hard to justify and generally limited to independent shopkeepers and/or operators of small shops. Nevertheless, the strong expectation of continued service outlet expansion makes the implementation of a formal and more consistent planning solution highly desirable. Various planning alternatives are examined and it is suggested that certain policies could expect the tacit support of a majority of service business operators, as well as the almost unanimous backing of retailers