ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the use of geographical information systems (GIS) for retail planning and location analysis. It presents the discussion of Benoit and Clarke and their appraisal of the usefulness of GIS in store location research. The chapter explores the use of GIS for geocoding and mapping. It introduces network analysis within a GIS framework and how this has been able to aid the understanding of both access to retail facilities and helps to estimate real distances travelled – a growing research agenda for estimating food miles and carbon footprints within retail distribution. The chapter provides buffer and overlay procedures to allow users to demarcate catchment areas around existing and new stores and to understand the population that lives within that catchment area. GIS is in widespread use in the retail industry offering valuable information and spatial analysis to store location teams.
