This paper discusses an on-going programme of research that investigates the use of
Geographical Information (GI) in retail locational decision-making. The continued
pressures facing UK multiple retail organisations are such that decisions regarding
the location of outlets are of significant importance. These locations represent sites
where significant amounts of retail capital are 'sunk'. Once taken, decisions
regarding the location of outlets cannot be easily altered. In order to assess the
current role and use of GI in locational decision-making a three-stage approach has
been adopted and is reported here. First, exploratory research was undertaken to
assess decision-makers' use and awareness of the geographic nature of one particular
type of GI. Secondly, a detailed postal survey was distributed to those responsible
for locational decisions. This recorded a 36 per cent response rate and is the main
focus of this paper. Thirdly, detailed case study research is proposed in three
multiple retail organisations. It is envisaged that the results thus generated will
provide a richer understanding of the nuances of retail locational decision-making
