Perception of Urban Retailing Facilities: An Analysis of Consumer Information Fields

Abstract

An analysis of the spatial zones within which urban residents possess information regarding urban retailing facilities is provided in this paper. At the outset, a conceptual model of consumer behaviour and perception is presented and subsequently, the definition and measurement of consumer information fields within an urban environment are discussed. Following this, the findings of an empirical study of the scale and spatial extent of consumer information fields within Stockport, England are considered. It is demonstrated that such perceptual zones exhibit a pronounced sectoral bias and further, that they display consistent variations for different subsets of consumers. Finally, the implications of the findings for planning decisions regarding urban retailing facilities are briefly reviewed.