Main street retail districts or shopping centers? comparing the preferences of low-income consumers

Abstract

This study investigated the attitudes of low-income consumers, comparing their preferences between high street retail districts and shopping centers. The interviews were conducted in three representative retail districts in low-income neighborhoods in the city of São Paulo. Although the consumers were more satisfied with shopping centers, they still indicated stronger patronage intention for street shopping districts. Ten attractiveness factors were assessed as influencing the responses regarding these two types of retail agglomerations. While shopping malls received better evaluation on environment, infrastructure, variety of stores and security, the street districts were judged to be better regarding access and value. With the increasing purchasing power, degree of discernment and mobility of low-income consumers in Brazil, we believe that street retail districts, without intense efforts for revitalization, will tend to enter a severe process of deterioration.

Keywords

• low
• income consumers
• street retail districts
• shopping centers
• satisfaction
• patronage intention