The coming of the fourth wave: new forms of retail out‐of‐town development

Discusses the historical evolution of out‐of‐town shopping developments in the UK, from the superstores retailing food, DIY,carpets and electrical products to new formats of warehouse clubs,factory outlet centres and airport retailing. Argues that this fourth wave of development may die prematurely, like proposals for regional out‐of‐town shopping centres, because of an increasingly hostile political environment. Comments that formats such as factory outlets will not be lured to traditional town centres and that potential investment will be lost.