Factors Affecting Location Decision of Shopping Centres in the Peri-Urban Areas in Port Harcourt, Rivers State
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Most actual decisions concerning the location of commercial establishments involve many considerations. Flawed location selection decision can lead to huge economic loss. Consequently, this research examines the factors that influence the location decisions of shopping malls in the peri-urban areas in Port Harcourt. The study population for this study is Shopping Mall Operators. The check list method was adopted and the data were collected using structured and semi structured questionnaire. Primary data was also used. Simple random sampling technique was deployed in administering copies of the questionnaire. The analysis was based on 375 respondents sampled for the study. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and the Kruskal- Wallis test. The results indicated that accessibility had a mean score of 2.83 and a standard deviation of 1.44. The Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric analysis of variance test for repeated measures was significant, p <.001. Thus, accessibility emerged the most important factor business owners consider in establishing a shopping mall. Based on the findings of the research the researchers recommend that prospective shopping centre owners should consider accessibility in establishing a shopping mall. The researchers argued that government should provide access to the communities adjoining the city of Port Harcourt to encourage growth, reduce movement towards the centre, and thereby reduce traffic at the city centre. Finally, planning authorities should insist that locations of shopping centres are strictly in compliance with extant planning laws.