In recent years, a rise of large out-of-town retail centers has changed people’s shopping habits, with many consumers preferring these establishments over small shops in town centers. While this trend benefits people with a wider range of options and competitive prices, I consider that it also brings some challenges like over-car dependency or limited access.
Admittedly, it might seem preferable to shop at suburban retail establishments because of two main reasons. There is no doubt that large shops can offer more options for consumers, giving them a chance to find the right products that they are looking for. This can be appealing to people who want to buy from a wider selection of products, compared to small shops where it might be hard to find this variety. Furthermore, in suburban retail stores, customers can find competitive prices, when contrasted with shops in city centers. This is because buying in bulk allows these stores to sell at cheaper and more affordable prices, attracting more people.
Nonetheless, the shift towards purchasing in suburban commercial centers can bring about possible demerits to communities. Shopping out of town can lead to an increase in car usage. This, in turn, gives rise to traffic jam on roads, which is one of the main contributors to air pollution, creating long-term threats for human beings. Additionally, people without private cars might find it challenging to access those shops with low prices and different options. This not only gives them limited options but also requires a lot of effort and time to reach these shops for non-drivers if they opt for traveling by public transport.
In conclusion, although there are two main merits of out-of-town stores, which are choices for buying at an affordable amount and varied selections, I believe that their growth can cause negative effects, with an increasing volume of traffic and pollution.