Semester 2 

The importance of effective location management for retailers is clear, particularly in relation to broader marketing and financial strategy considerations.  The locational decisions of retailers are also significant for other stakeholders, most obviously consumers, planners, property investment firms, etc.  This module provides students with a comprehensive introduction to key issues and debates in relation to the management of retail locations.  It provides an understanding of the theoretical foundations of retailers’ network planning and their wider locational strategic considerations.  It also introduces practical management issues relating to retail location decision making and management. 

·               To provide an understanding of the theoretical foundations of retailers’ site location decision making and their wider retail locational strategic considerations. 
·               To provide an introduction to practical management issues relating to retail location decision making and management. 
·               To enable students to apply and critically evaluate existing retail management frameworks relevant to the study of retail location. 
·               To consider the implications of retailers’ locational management activities for other stakeholders. 

On successful completion of this module the students will be able to: 
·               Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of retail location planning and management. (K) 
·               Apply appropriate techniques to analyse retail location decision making and interpret results. (K,C) 
·               Exercise judgement in making retail location related recommendations. (K,C) 
·               Demonstrate awareness of the wider public interest in retail location planning and of the interface between the retail industry and other stakeholders. (K) 
·               Demonstrate professionalism in executing small-group work. (P,T) 

·               Principles of retail location management 
·               Locational change (store and non-store retailing) 
·               Conceptual perspectives of locational change 
·               Retail site assessment 
·               Location decisions and network planning 
·               Land-use planning and retail location 
·               The management of retail locations: shopping centre and town centre management 

The module is delivered through a lecture programme and a parallel group seminar series.  The lecture programme provides a framework on which students can base their learning and develop their understanding through seminar and small group work.
The teaching and learning methods include group lectures, seminar work, practical case studies, guided self-study and guest speakers.  The module is further supported by ULearn. 
Assessment Strategy:
The assessment strategy is designed to encourage the development of both conceptual and empirical knowledge and understanding in support of decision-making surrounding the management of retail locations.  The opportunity is included to work with, and learn from peers. 

Essential Reading 
Recommended Reading 
Birkin, M., Clarke, G., and Clarke, M., (2002) Retail Geography and Intelligent Network Planning.  Wiley, Chichester . 
Background Reading 
Burns, T. (2006) Finding your Customers: GIS for Retail Management.  ESRI Press.
Freathy, P. (ed.) (2003) The Retailing Book: Principles and Applications.  Harlow : FT/Prentice Hall, chapters 7-9. 
Gilbert, D., (2003) Retail Marketing Management.  2^nd edn.  Harlow : FT/ Prentice Hall, chapter 11.
Guy, C. (1994) The Retail Development Process.  London : Routledge. 
Hayward R., Reeve A. and McGlynn, S. (2008) Better Towns and Cities.  London : Butterworth Heinemann (forthcoming). 
Jones, K. and Simmons, J. (1990) The Retail Environment.  London : Routledge. 
McGoldrick, P. (2002) Retail Marketing.  London : McGraw Hill, chapter 7. 
Schiller, R. (2001) The Dynamics of Property Location.  London : Spon Press. 
Wrigley, N. and Lowe, M. (eds.) (1996) Retailing, Consumption and Capital.  Harlow : Longman, chapters 1,6. 
Wrigley, N. and Lowe, M. (2002) Reading Retail.  London: Arnold .