The rapid advances in retailing during the latter part of the 20th century have led to pressures for new forms of shopping development and conflicts with established planning policy on the location of new stores and centres. In response to these pressures, various methods have been devised to assess the potential impact of new retail developments on existing centres. This book reviews the methodology and emphasises a recommended best practice approach to the application of retail impact assessment. The book shows why and how the current approaches to retail impact assessment need to be improved. It includes examples from all the major retail sectors, for example foodstores, retail warehouses, factory outlet centres and regional shopping centres. Evidence is given of the impacts different types of retail development have and an analysis is made of retail impact issues in Europe and North America, as well as the UK. Advice is given on the application of best practice, with an illustration of the impact assessment framework and a checklist for retail impact assessment. Conclusions are drawn on policy issues in retail planning and on the importance of a practical guide for assessing retail impact. The approach recommended has been tested through 12 years of practical experience in planning consultancy, specialising in retail planning. It has shown to be a reliable method of predicting the impact of new retail developments and is sufficiently robust to cope with any future changes in government policy. the book has chapter summaries, as well as a glossary and bibliography. Retail Impact Assessment is an introduction to the subject for planners and surveyors working in this field and is a practical guide for new and experienced professionals, involved with proposals for new retail development. It is also a valuable text for students studying retail planning.