The specifics of retail network´s spatial structure in the city of Žilina

Abstract

The retail network as a variable subsystem of a cultural landscape is an important feature of the settlement system and the inner structure of the settlements. In the urban environment of post-socialist countries under the influence of globalization the retail network belongs to the most dynamic elements. Our goal is to identify the spatial configuration of demographic and retail indicators. Data obtained from field passportization were processed by using statistical-mathematical methods. We also deal with the processes and specifics of the retail network of the city of Žilina, which impact on the modeling of its spatial structure, polycentrism, increase of disparities, and commercial suburbanization. The development of the retail network in the city of Žilina is significantly influenced by the following factors: purchasing power of residents, globalization impacts of supranational retail chains´ entrance, accessibility, synergy effect, development of new retail forms, and self-government policies. The paper is part of a broader research into the retail network of large cities in Slovakia. The research has been carried out with the same methodology as in the two regional cities of Nitra and Trnava. The automotive industry as an important economic factor is the common feature of all of them.