Q: Can small retailers in the city center compete with big department stores or malls?
A: It is possible for specialized merchandizers to manage and upgrade the value of commerce in a specific area.
Contrary to fears of small retailers being edged out by big businesses, examples from Fukuoka demonstrate successful coexistence. Vibrant local shopping arcades like Shintencho and Kawabata blend large commercial outlets with niche stores, fostering community vitality. These models not only sustain local culture but also underline the significance of diverse retail landscapes in urban growth and development.
Shopping Arcade Management in Fukuoka City
There is an argument that small retail shops are being squeezed out with the rise of large-scale commercial facilities. However, this is not always the case. There are examples where large shopping centers and small-scale retail stores coexist. When both types of establishments coexist in the same area, it is crucial to offer a selection of stores and products that cater to the needs according to demographics to attract a customer base that transcends generations. Additionally, specialty stores unsuited for large-scale commercial facilities can attract customers by establishing themselves in local shopping districts.
In Fukuoka, a few longstanding shopping districts are bustling with locals. Shintencho was formed after World War II and has been actively contributing to the community's vitality by organizing events and festivals in collaboration with the neighboring Iwataya Department Store. Furthermore, it strategically places moderately priced Western clothing stores and shops specializing in traditional Japanese music, catering to the preferences of older customers. Despite the relocation of Iwataya and the subsequent entry of PARCO, cooperation through shared parking facilities and collaboration with the local community development council continues to support the community's growth.
Similarly, the Kawabata Shopping Arcade, which has existed since before the war, is popular among locals and attracts tourists. The adjacent large commercial facility, Canal City, also attracts tourists. This area offers a variety of small eateries and souvenir shops with a Japanese touch, items not typically found in large-scale commercial establishments.
These examples demonstrate that large-scale commercial facilities and small-scale retail stores can coexist and complement each other, contributing to the revitalization of the local community. Commercial activities in the area serve as economic transactions and play a significant role in fostering community cohesion and preserving cultural heritage. Therefore, in considering urban development, the importance of coexisting commercial establishments of various sizes and types to meet the community's diverse needs cannot be overstated. These examples provide valuable insights in this regard.
[Case ID: Urban Management UM-01]