Publication Date

5-1975

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Wayne Hoffman, E.E. Hegen, Albert Petersen

Degree Program

Department of Geography and Geology

Degree Type

Master of Science

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the spatial distribution of retail grocery stores in Bowling Green, Kentucky using the formal element of store size as a controlling theme. This purpose was behaviorally accomplished through a cartographic analysis of the city wide arrangement and a statistical analysis measuring the degree and intensity of selected variables. A survey of pertinent literature was undertaken to discover locational trends and to uncover sixteen specific variables suggested to provide association with grocery store distribution. One general and six specific hypotheses were presented! all were rejected. The cartographic displays did, however, yield promising similarities to the arrangements suggested in the literature review with smaller stores to the city center and larger establishments locating to the outer city. Statistical analysis, which comprises of simple correlation and step-wise regression and correlation, also provided a number of statistically significant results. Simple correlation coefficients showed retail agglomeration, accessibility, hours open per week, and overcrowded housing to be significant. The regression model generated six variables considered to be important, retail agglomeration, accessibility, hours open per week, population 65 years plus, population density, and issuance of credit. A subordinate objective of this study was satisfied when it was found that the results from Bowling Green generally agreed with findings of existing spatial studies from much Larger urban centers. This study did not uncover any unusual conclusions concerning the distribution of retail grocery establishments, but it did present a new approach to their study.

Disciplines

Arts and Humanities | Business | Economics | Geography | History | Social and Behavioral Sciences | Social History | United States History

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