Retail Preferences Survey Report: A Study of the Shopping Habits of the Residents of Lawrence, Kansas

Abstract

The purpose of this survey is to find out how many Lawrence residents intentionally leave Lawrence to shop, what types of goods or services they shop for, and how often they go. The survey was limited to Lawrence residents. It does not measure the impact or preferences of visitors coming into the city of Lawrence for the purpose of shopping.

An attempt was made to identify those stores, retail centers and types of items or services for which shoppers consider an out-of-town source as their first/best choice, and the reasons for that choice. The survey is intended to establish a baseline for identifying trends in shopping preferences over time as new retail options emerge; therefore, it should be repeated annually.

The initial data were collected between Thanksgiving and Christmas 1996. Within the year following, there were changes in the retailing landscape. To the east, there was the opening of the Great Mall of the Great Plains in Olathe and the explosive growth of the Metcalf South area. Here in Lawrence, among other things, The Gap opened, and work was started on Border’s Bookstore and Office Depot. All of these may impact the flow of purchasing dollars into or out of Lawrence.