Retail Zoning Research Methodology Chapter

Retail Zoning Research Methodology Chapter

Retail districts prove to have very different contextual rules and regulations than other commercial and residential zoning districts. Retail zoning is used in a variety of ways within different cities. Not only does it distinguish areas for specific purposes, but it also protects property values (Hale 2008). Most retail shops are zoned in terms of reteable value based on proximity to the street which they are located on. These are sub-categorized into different zoning categories based on proximity within the property limitations. In the United Kingdom, these zones start from Zone a, which is the most lucrative and forefront to the street, they are then sectioned off as the property moves back from the street (Mybusinessrates.gov.uk 2004). The measurement of zoning can also play a role in how much any particular property is worth. In many cases, this averages around twenty feet (Mybusinessrates.gov.uk 2004).

Retail zoning is subsequently used by valuers in Real Estate in the process of applying a rental value to any retail premise. Through zoning measured pieces of the store from the front back, retail properties then prove to show the front sections of the store t be the most valuable, (Mybusinessrates.gov.uk 2004). As the property goes further and further from the street, it lessons in value compared to the original estimate of the store front portion of the property.

And so, this study aims to value the effects of retail-zoning within the context of various locations across the globe. It implements both quantitative and qualitative measures in order to fully grasp the context of the effects of retail zoning. What proves to be the prominent effect of retail zoning to various retail businesses is the idea that store front portions of the property are worth more in value than portions of the property which are farther away from the street.

This particular study combined elements of both quantitative and qualitative aspects within its design. This then allows the study to encompass multiple views of the research question in their utmost efficiencies. The quantitative elements within this research include the individual case studies produced by the interviews which then provided examples of zoning techniques within the context of different locations and nations. By comparing statistics of these individual case studies, real quantitative data can be compiled to provide measurable conclusions and data maps which provide further insight regarding the nature of the research question at hand. This measurable data provided insight in terms of actual usable data within regression models as practiced through the Microsoft excels modeling practices.

Qualitative elements were also used within the basic design of the study. The foundation of data collection as being through the method of interviewing depends of proper qualitative research. All interviews within the context of this study were conducted as semi-structured and open ended interviews. A variety of qualitative methods were imposed within the design of this research. A total of six semi-structured interviews were conducted in order to present a comparison value to the other open ended sessions. In these sessions, two were conducted as purely open ended interviews, and one which was an open-ended group interview.

These open ended sessions provided researchers with valuable information regarding not only measurable aspects of the effects of retail zoning, but also allowed for flexibility within the various locations focused on. Because these interviews were open-ended, researchers could gain more fluid answers when looking at different locations

In order to grasp fully both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of this study design, the methods used relied on semi-structured interviews combined with two open ended interviews held with one group open ended interview. Based on previous research and desired constructs within this design, researchers found this method was the best method to be used within the structure of this particular study. Data was then collected from these interviews and used in quantitative measurement along with then explaining qualitative confounds. This then helped measure the effectiveness and other ramifications of retail zoning conducted by valuers based on the principle that the front portion of any retail shop is worth more than the further back portions. The results of the interviews were presented in tables which can be found at the end of this study. These case studies were used to provide examples of the various techniques used and were later processed through excel spreadsheets.

This study presented several variables which provide further insight into the nature of retail zoning and how valuers then subsequently adjust the material worth of retail properties. The first variable is the amount of front property which can be determined as the most valuable. This front portion of the property provides the most value to the property, and also contributes to most of the retail property's income at any one time. Other variables include the amount of space in the further back portions of the retail property. More space in these zones can decrease the worth of any particular retail property. These portions are also known to cost a retail business more than the space would make, for most sales are conducted in the front portion of the store. The final variable mentioned within the context of this study is that of the valuers who are subsequently adjusting the worth of the properties examined, which will be evaluated through the open ended and semi-conducted interviews.