Central Place Theory and Retail Behaviours: A Case Study of Rugbys Retail Sector

Understanding contemporary retail behaviour is crucial for urban planning and commercial strategy, especially amid evolving consumer habits and post-pandemic challenges. This study investigated how retail behaviours in a medium-sized UK town align with the predictions of Central Place Theory. Using Rugby as a case study, two contrasting retail formats were compared: Elliotts Field, an out-of-town retail park, and Rugby Central, a town-centre shopping mall. Primary data were collected through footfall counts and structured questionnaires, complemented by GIS-based mapping of service distributions and spheres of influence. The results showed that Elliotts Field has higher footfall and a greater share of high-order services, while Rugby Central offers a broader range of middle- and low-order shops but suffers from higher vacancies. Spatial analysis indicated that Rugby Central retains a wider sphere of influence, though anomalies distort this pattern. Spearmans Rank correlation revealed no significant relationship between distance travelled and frequency of visits at Elliotts Field, but a weak yet statistically significant negative correlation at Rugby Central. These findings highlighted both the utility and limitations of Central Place Theory in explaining contemporary retail behaviour. The research contributed empirical evidence from a medium-sized town context, offering insights for urban planning and retail resilience in the post-pandemic era.