ABSTRACT

Retail outlets consist of buildings or rooms where goods or services are sold to the public. They include shop and store premises and concessionary space. Polarisation of retail business has also had a dramatic impact on shop numbers and the retail landscape. Total shop floor space has grown with the penetration of chain stores into further market catchment areas as well as to extend individual store space for more product lines, customer choice and self-service checkouts. Amounts of stock in reserve are related to the stock-turn, weekly turnover, delivery frequency and stock control. Electronic point of sale monitoring is used to predict sales patterns, reduce reserve stock and coordinate distribution and manufacture. Sales areas are grouped into departments corresponding to different categories of shops but are flexible in size and position. Internal areas must be planned for maximum clear space to allow for changes in seasonal sales and tenancy arrangements.