Retail Change and Downtown Commercial Viability the Case of Norrköping, Sweden

Abstract

This paper analyzes retail change in the city of Norrköping, Sweden between 1951 and 1976 in terms of sales, number of stores, and line of business. During the 25 year period the city reported an overall loss of some 4(H) stores (42 per cent). Average sales per store increased considerably. In both 1951 and 1976 the core area of Norrköping accounted for about half of total retail sales and two thirds of non-grocery sales. Thus the commercial importance of the core did not change during the period, and the downtown area maintained its function as the central business district of the city. A major factor influencing the continuing business health of the core was development of the department store trade there during the 1960s. In areas adjacent to the core, retail sales declined rapidly, whereas in the outer city sales increased. This increase could largely be attributed to the development of grocery retailing in new residential areas developed since 1960.