Abstract
The “commercial revolution” driven by the spread of large-scale retail is always spatially differentiated. Even within an economically developed region, such as Lombardy, significant differences can be seen between territories with regard to the structure and evolution of the distribution network. The paper considers the case of Lower Lombardy, a vast rural area which includes 424 municipalities split into 4 provinces (Pavia, Lodi, Cremona and Mantua). An eccentric outlook is adopted compared to trade geography studies, which are usually focused on large urban areas, overlooking what occurs in peripheral contexts. The restructuring of the distribution network between 2001 and 2019 is investigated, highlighting how the municipalities of the southern part of Lombardy witnessed different evolutionary trajectories in relation to their demographic size and their position in the urban network. The image of trade decline, often associated with rural areas, is too simplistic and conceals different processes, which restructure the relationships internal to those areas. The paper also highlights a concerning process of weakening of the proximity commercial supply: are we moving towards the formation of food deserts?
Highlights
When looking at the transformation dynamics of retail trade, large urban areas catalyse our attention
An eccentric outlook is adopted compared to trade geography studies, which are usually focused on large urban areas, overlooking what occurs in peripheral contexts
After having outlined its settlement features, we investigate the transformation of the distribution network between 2001 and 2019, noting that there are still very clear traditional connotations and how the overcoming of the centre/periphery hierarchy is less advanced compared to other parts of the region
Summary
When looking at the transformation dynamics of retail trade, large urban areas catalyse our attention. Settlement dispersion and often considerable distances from town centres which provide essential services for community life are the main factors that affect the structure and the system of relationships within rural areas It is not easy, here, to guarantee an adequate supply of public and private services, therein including those of trade (OECD 2010). The transformation of the distribution network over the space of twenty years after the entry into force of the “Bersani Decree” is recognised By liberalising trade, this measure altered the market balances: the effects were strong in densely urbanised areas – where a significant increase in large retail complexes was recorded – and extended to the peripheral contexts. We focus on the rarefaction of the commercial supply of food which may be a prelude to the formation of food deserts (section 6)
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