The evolving retail structure of mexico city

Abstract

A recent economic census of Mexico City reveals the complexity of the retail structure, in terms of stores, sales, and location of its various components, ranging from public markets to traditional retail streets to more modern innovations like shopping malls and power centers. Data from an origin–destination survey for transportation identifies the characteristics of customers for various destinations, and permit us to position the city within a general sequence of retail evolution, roughly linked to income, hence level of economic development. Traditional locations such as downtown, the public markets, and retail shopping streets, have a long history in the city and largely serve the low-income population. More modern retail developments such as shopping centers, supercenters, and power retail have recently emerged to serve the well-to-do. This bifurcation of retail facilities and their clients is exacerbated by the extreme income inequality in the city, and by the fact that the automobile has become a fundamental indicator of social class in Mexico City. Without a car, the household depends on the elements of traditional retail—public markets and nearby retail streets—whereas households with a car are able to shop in the facilities of modern retail: supercenters, shopping centers, and big box stores.