消息
loading
The (un)importance of the closure of village shops to rural migration patterns

Author: Amcoff Jan   Moller Peter   Westholm Erik  

Publisher: Routledge Ltd

ISSN: 1466-4402

Source: The International Review of Retail, Distribution and Consumer Research, Vol.21, Iss.2, 2011-05, pp. : 129-143

Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.

Previous Menu Next

Abstract

This study investigates the importance of local service provision for the survival of rural areas. EU Rural Development Policy includes support to village shops as a means to sustain population. Shop closing is assumed to negatively affect migration to and from the area served. We analyse quantitative data on all Swedish village shops and the migration patterns in their market areas before and after shop closure. No significant effect of shop closure on either in- or out-migration can be established, regardless of whether larger or smaller market areas are employed or whether migrants with more urban shopping habits (i.e. commuters and families with children) are excluded. Complementary interviews in three villages where the last shop has closed verify the results.