Retail Structure and Transformation in the North of the Metropolitan Region of Buenos Aires

Abstract

Previous studies focused on the metropolitan centralities of Buenos Aires showed a center hierarchy in relation to the amount and complexity of public facilities and financial services, in contrast to the presence of shopping centers. These contributions have been very useful regarding commercial activity, but they require additional analysis to explain the complex territorial structure of retail, going beyond the dichotomy of historical center vs shopping center. For this purpose, based on Google Maps data and other complementary sources, we drew up commercial diversity and intensity maps that allowed us to advance in the interpretation of this activity spatial patterns, with a focus on the northern axis of the region. These cartographies show a linear structuring of the gathered stores along old supramunicipal routes and avenues, and nodal concentrations around railway stations. At the same time, we identify some recent trends in retail transformation or revitalization, including new "open-air" products such as proximity shoppings and gastronomic poles. The real state incorporation of these typologies coexists with the municipal efforts in the renewal of their traditional centers, mainly through urban interventions of public space improvement