Blackwell Reference Online

Extract

A retail hierarchy is the organization of stores within a chain according to size or sales per unit of area. The larger stores within the chain (in terms of selling floor space or total sales) would appear higher up the hierarchy than those with lower sales or selling floor space. Larger stores may offer an extended range of goods and services. Two‐tier or multilevel store formats can effectively add a new dimension to the portfolio of stores within a retail business or chain, and permit merchandise categories to be split between floors. This in itself is not a new idea and likely stems from the traditional department store layouts found in most city high street locations. So‐called “flagship” stores tend to be seen by the retailer as being at the top of the hierarchy and are often situated in prestige locations in major cities. ( 2001 ). The changing urban hierarchy in England and Wales , 1913 – 1998 . Regional Studies , 35 , 9 ( December ), 775 – 808 . ... log in or subscribe to read full text