According to survey results in the Rotterdam - Northeast - Capelle area, the modern consumer's shopping behaviour is more balanced than the media and other sources apparently believe. Many consumers using slow travel modes such as walking and cycling still appear to do their shopping for daily necessities in the neighbourhood. Nearness is an important factor in the individual's choice process. This factor is in general more important than a low price level. Therefore, there is still a demand for shopping facilities at neighbourhood level, but an imperative condition is that the neighbourhood shopping centres should not be located too near to their competitors. Attention is also paid to the restructuring of shopping facilities. Two case studies in Rotterdam-Zuidwijk and The Hague-Southwest are discussed. The so-called "Checklist" designed for shopkeepers to judge the possibilities for the existence of their neighbourhood shopping centres is evaluated. A plea is made to improve this Checklist.
Abstract