ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines a series of examples of geographic information system (GIS) for retail network planning and analysis. It briefly examines how GIS could be useful for planners to estimate the impacts of large-scale retail developments such as out-of-town retail parks, shopping centres or very large superstores. The chapter explores the use of GIS in retail location planning from the perspective of both the private and public sectors. It argues that GIS is a powerful tool for visualisation and catchment area analysis. The chapter shows the widespread use of GIS in many retail organisations and consultancies. The retail industry makes extensive and sophisticated use of GIS and the analysis of spatial data in order to understand consumers, evaluate store performance and develop store networks. Planning authorities and local government also make use of GIS to evaluate access to retail services and to assess proposals for new stores or retail centres.
