The Evolution of Retail Outlet Distribution: A Systematic Review of Spatial Patterns, Drivers, and Implications for Urban Development and Economic Growth

XINRUI LUO^1,2,3Rosniza Aznie CR^3*Azahan Awang³

• ¹Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, National University of Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
• ²Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
• ³Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

The spatial patterns and evolution of retail outlet distribution are crucial to understanding urban development and economic growth. As urbanization accelerates and e-commerce continues to grow, retail landscapes worldwide are undergoing significant transformations. This study examines the evolution of retail outlet distribution in global scales, with a particular focus on the changing size and location of retail outlets across international, national, and urban scales. The primary challenge in the retail industry lies in adapting to these changes, which are influenced by various socio -economic and policy-driven factors.Despite a growing body of literature on this topic, the mechanisms behind retail evolution remain poorly understood, especially regarding how policies, consumer behavior, and technological changes shape retail spatial distribution. The objective of this study is to systematically review and analyze the historical evolution of retail outlet distribution and its driving mechanisms. A total of 7066 articles were retrieved during the initial identification process, with 6615 sourced from Web of Science (WoS) and 451 from Scopus.The review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria, encompassing five main steps: review protocol, formulation of research questions, identification, screening and eligibility, and quality appraisal and data extraction. The literature is analyzed through three primary themes: international, inter-city within country, and intra-city. The findings indicate that the evolution of retail distribution is closely tied to the spatial pattern of residential areas, government policies, and consumer behavior. This study highlights a significant gap in understanding the local, national, and international factors that shape retail development patterns. The implications of these findings are critical for urban planners, policymakers, and retail managers, offering insights into how retail networks can be designed more effectively, with a focus on sustainability and innovation. Future research should explore how these evolving patterns can contribute to more inclusive and balanced urban and economic growth.