Impact of Digital Transformation on the Spatial Organization of Nonfood Retail in a Russian City

Abstract

Abstract — The objective of this study is to reveal what has changed under the influence of digital transformation in the “physical” spatial structure of the retail/purchase process in connection with the emergence of a choice between online and offline “spaces,” or environments, as well as how e-commerce has changed the “physical” spatial principles of organizing nonfood retail in a Russian city with a case study of St. Petersburg. The principles of placement of new e-commerce facilities were analyzed by comparing various shopping models and spatiotemporal systems formed by them, including specific objects (warehouses-stores, warehouses-distributors, order pickup points and parcel terminals), features of interaction between retail actors and transport and logistics flows in the city. Two opposing trends in the placement of new types of retail facilities are described: towards the transfer of the trading function to non-trading premises and the transfer of the non-trading retail function to retail premises. They create spatial competition with traditional retail as well as a new hierarchical competition with office and warehouse business types. The trend towards retail infrastructure for durable goods to be within walking distance means the rollout of a new type of competition for locations: with FMCG sellers. The fact that in delivery the logistics of the “last mile” passes from consumer to seller/logistician means a fundamental shift in the economic geography of goods flows. Instead of private spontaneous pedestrian flows, it forms new regulated small-tonnage types of “last mile” commercial cargo transportation using both alternative transport modes (personal transporter) and transport routes (sidewalks, pedestrian walkways, etc.). All these require the development of a new urban regulation policy.