The role of retailing in urban sustainability: the Turkish case

Abstract

Consumption-oriented urban life has increased the role of the retail sector in the viability of the urban core and sustainability of cities. The current organization of retailing creates a centre/periphery dichotomy that challenges urban sustainability in many countries. Turkey is a country with a vivid retail environment, having traditional, small-scale retailing as well as shopping centres in large and medium-sized cities. Although some efforts at policy-making have been made by state institutions and the non-profit organizations of various actors in the sector, there is no comprehensive retail policy in Turkey. This situation has led to negative consequences for the traditional segments of the sector and for cities’ spatial organization. It also threatens the sustainability of urban life, which is nourished by a variety of actors in the sector. Thus, it is imperative to control the development of retail investments through a holistic approach, considering how they might affect all actors and citizens.