Superstores and town centres : the case in Malta

Abstract

This dissertation looks at the relationship between food and grocery superstores and town centres in Malta. It traces the way in which food and groceries were supplied to consumers from early times, examining the factors which caused change and brought about the superstore. From research carried out, four distinct types of superstore location are identified. The likely advantages and disadvantages for operators and town centres are analysed for each location type. The significance of 'linked trip' shopping is looked into along with implications of traffic generation by superstores, and car parking. The effect of superstores on existing town centre outlets is studied. The Malta Environment and Planning Authority's policy of encouraging superstores to be constructed in town centres and edge-of-centres is found to be too vague. The study concludes that all location types of superstore affect the town centre to a greater or lesser extent, and identifies a number of measures to ensure that a new superstore complements the centre rather than competes with it.