Städte müssen sich mit Defiziten urbaner Handelslagen auseinandersetzen, die sich in der Zunahme von Gewerbeleerständen und einem Rückgang der Besucherfrequenz äußern. Mit dem drohenden ...Funktionsverlust des stationären Handels ist die Multifunktionalität der Zentren gefährdet. Doch gerade der vielseitige Zentrumscharakter ist identitätsstiftend für unsere Städte. Die Gründe für den Funktionsverlust sind mehrschichtig. Um sich der Problematik zu stellen, bedarf es einer integrierten Betrachtungsweise. Mit SURTRADE startete 2017 ein interdisziplinäres Forschungsprojekt, welches zukunftsfähige Konzepte für den stationären Handel in Zeiten von Globalisierung und Digitalisierung untersucht.
Against the background of urban transformation processes aggravated by e-commerce, this paper discusses chances and challenges of local online platforms. Three hypotheses are introduced. Firstly, the ...rapid emergence of numerous local online platforms in various European countries is linked to the urban heritage of the European City. Secondly, the success of these platforms depends on the integration of diverse services. Thirdly it is argued, that platforms need to adapt to future topics of smart retail which is why a more holistic approach is appropriate. A best practice analysis is conducted, which gives an insight into the variety and complexity of local online platforms.
Growth rates in e-commerce, changing consumer behaviors, and COVID-19 have all
put pressure on local retailers worldwide, threatening the resilience of city centers. Local online
platforms (LOPs) ...have been considered as a solution to help local retailers increase their visibility and
survive on the market. However, most platforms fail to attract a significant number of stakeholders.
Simultaneously, digital platform solutions with more holistic urban perspectives, such as urban
data platforms (UDPs), have emerged. However, a question remains: how can the integration of
retail data (e.g., product availabilities) into a UDP succeed? Therefore, in this paper, we explore
stakeholder-oriented networking processes to integrate local retail data into a UDP in Leipzig,
Germany. Leipzig has increased its population by 26% since 2000, but presents the highest retail
vacancy rate, compared to other major German cities. To investigate the networking process in
Leipzig, we conduct a social network analysis which combines qualitative interviews, mapping, and
ethnographic research. We interview ten stakeholders and uncover conflicts within the networking
process: First, all stakeholders have different understandings of UDPs and how to integrate local retail
data; second, the interviewees acknowledge the importance of, but none of them feel responsible for,
initiating or managing the process; and third, the city administration has shown diverging interest, in
terms of taking on more responsibility.
