Assessment of market change and the retail structure in Rockland County, New York

The concept of suburban maturity is evident through several indicators of advanced market change in many American suburbs, including accompanying changes in a retail structure. This research is primarily concerned with the documentation of specific market changes which indicate suburban maturity, and the assessment of changing retail supply in Rockland County, New York. Utilizing several secondary data sources, primary data collection and field observations, market changes in the resident population, housing structure and economic activities of Rockland County are assessed. This research also documents the status of retailing through a consumer survey in the study area. Overall, the market changes indicate a viable retail market with growing market potential. The findings indicate local shopping center competition and the decline of the Nanuet Mall. Given the results of resident outshopping, recommendations for the future of the mall are forwarded following the observation of market gaps and absent retail types.