Big Boxes, Power Centres and the Evolving Retail Landscape of Winnipeg: A Geographical Perspective

Abstract

This report offers a geographical perspective on a wave of big box store and power centre development that Winnipeg experienced between 1998 and 2001. Analysis reveals that new retail development has gravitated to existing major retail nodes thereby reinforcing the traditional retail hierarchy. New big box discount and category killer merchants have not eroded the integrity of any regional or super-regional enclosed shopping malls. Smaller open air strip malls have not fared as well. Micro-geographies of traditional enclosed malls and the new retail power centres are explored with attention given to ways the typical design and layout of power centres contributes to increased levels of dependence on automobiles. Planning issues related to the construction of new retail space and the redevelopment of existing retail spaces are discussed.