Grocery Retail Location and Function in Columbia, South Carolina

The retailing environment of the 1980s has been punctuated by change as retailers faced changing household structures, greater financial risks and penalties, and stronger inter- and intra-store competition for market shares in a moderately growing economy. This trend appears to be continuing into the 1990s. Concomitant with these changes has been the increase in the diversity of retailing formats as firms modify store merchandise mix, functions, and services in an attempt to create a distinction from competitors. This research investigates the spatial pattern and accessibility of grocery store formats with respect to socioeconomic population segments. Grocery stores are examined by format and chain affiliation for differences in the composition by race and income of their primary populations served. Large, multi-functional supermarkets are under-represented in low income, higher minority areas. Distances to these superstores significantly exceeds distances to mom and pop stores.