The International Review of Retail Distribution and Consumer Research · 2011 · 33 citations · 22 references
Social SciencesDemographyHuman GeographyMigration PolicyRural DevelopmentRural EconomicsMigration AnalysisRural EconomyRural MigrationRural Service ProvisionRural SettlementsUrban MigrationLocal Service ProvisionMigrant Settlement PatternsMigration From Village To CityMigration To TownsQuantitative Data CollectionRural Migration PolicyRural Out-migrationRural-to-rural Migration
This study investigates the importance of local service provision for the survival of rural areas. EU Rural Development Policy includes support to village shops as a means to sustain population. Shop closing is assumed to negatively affect migration to and from the area served. We analyse quantitative data on all Swedish village shops and the migration patterns in their market areas before and after shop closure. No significant effect of shop closure on either in- or out-migration can be established, regardless of whether larger or smaller market areas are employed or whether migrants with more urban shopping habits (i.e. commuters and families with children) are excluded. Complementary interviews in three villages where the last shop has closed verify the results.
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