Abstract:

Studies on city streetscapes are relatively rare in the retail literature despite the fact that retail offerings at any point in time are good barometers of societal consumption and important in understanding the changing urban experience. This presentation documents changes in Dublin's city centre streetscape over a thirty-year period to 2002 and analyses change in terms of premises usage, ownership category and business activity. The study found a tripling in international retailers allied with a decline in Irish multiples on the primary shopping streets during the survey period. A significant increase in the 'leisure'' category on both the secondary and tertiary streets was found. The study also indicates that a thirty-year time period approximates the natural life cycle of many Dublin retailers.