The aim of the paper is to critically evaluate the similarities and differences in the development of the temporal and spatial structure of shopping centers in the Czech and Slovak republics. We focused on the retail transformation and sustainable manifestations of the location and construction of shopping centers. We classified shopping centers according to their genesis, location in the city, and size of the gross leasable area. To analyze migration trends and geographic distribution characteristics of shopping centers in the capital cities of both countries (local level of analysis), we used spatial gravity and standard deviational ellipse. Generally, there is an analogous trend in the development of shopping centers in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, with a particular two- to four-year lag in Slovakia (west–east gradient). Despite this, we still perceive the demand for shopping centers in both countries as above average, and it is not declining. The construction of shopping centers, mainly in small towns, also indicates this trend. In Prague and Bratislava, the pattern of spatial expansion of shopping centers differs. Prague probably represents a more advanced phase of shopping center agglomeration. However, neither country has reached the state of clustering.

Český maloobchod prochází obdobím největších změn v celé své historii. Na kapacitní i kvalitativní nedostatečnost odvětví z konce 80. let minulého století navázala v první polovině let devadesátých etapa atomizace, podpořená malou privatizací, kdy se počet maloobchodních jednotek za deset let zvýšil dvojnásobně na téměř 100 tisíc. Od 2. poloviny 90. let začaly ve větší míře pronikat na tuzemský trh zahraniční řetězce a český maloobchod se velmi rychle internacionalizoval. Vstup zahraničního kapitálu byl dominantní, domácí subjekty nebyly reálně konkurenceschopné. Pokračovala transformace maloobchodu, jehož sítová struktura se opírala o stále větší počet velkoplošných maloobchodních jednotek (super a hypermarkety, diskonty), objevila se první nákupní centra. Předložená publikace nabízí čtenářům hlavní výsledky projektu „Časoprostorová organizace denních urbánních systémů: analýza a hodnocení vybraných procesů“. Denní rytmus obyvatel zde není primárně vázán na pohyb za prací, ale je modifikován dojížďkou za službami a specificky za maloobchodem, resp. je dotvářen novými formami nákupního chování. V první části textu je představen teoretický základ nákupního chování jako sociálně-prostorového fenoménu, dále navazuje transformace českého maloobchodu a fenomén nákupních center. Druhá část práce je založena na výsledcích rozsáhlých šetření v modelových aglomeracích Brna a Olomouce.

Research background: Generation Z, a consumer base with significant global impact, strongly relies on smart devices, shaping their unique consumption patterns. As this demographic becomes increasingly influential, understanding their shopping behavior is crucial for effective retail marketing strategies. Purpose of the article: This article aims to evaluate the shopping behavior and habits of Generation Z, particularly focusing on the determinants that influence their choices, with a specific emphasis on the role of smart technology. The objective is to uncover insights that explain the relationship between smart device usage and shopping behavior, offering perspectives for retailers aiming to tailor their strategies to the preferences of this demographic. Methods: A survey conducted during the 2019/2020 season involved 1,756 respondents from the Czech Generation Z. To estimate the relationships between smart device usage and shopping behavior, the linear probability and the logit models were employed. Additionally, descriptive statistics provided a comprehensive overview of respondents’ preferences and habits. Findings & value added: The results indicate that while the average time spent on smartphones does not inherently correlate with an increased preference for online shopping, it does enhance the likelihood of engaging in online transactions. Contrary to expectations, brick-and-mortar stores remain competitive and are slightly more preferred than online shops among the Czech young generation. This preference is attributed to the tangible experience of touching products and immersing in the store's ambiance. Furthermore, a relationship emerges between concerns about data security and a reduced frequency of online shopping, emphasizing the need to address such apprehensions in marketing strategies. Overall, these findings provide insights into the nuanced shopping behaviors of Generation Z, with implications that extend beyond regional boundaries, guiding retailers in adapting and optimizing their approaches to meet the needs of this demographic.

The paper examines the spatial structure of industrial production in the urban environment of two Central European cities, Wroclaw and Brno, and their changes during the transformation from centrally controlled to capitalist economies. The study used mapping techniques to analyse the spatial distribution of industrial activities, focusing on the representation of industrial sectors and major industrial enterprises in both cities. The research aimed to evaluate the spatial impacts of deindustrialization on the urban environment and subsequently interpret the functional and structural changes in the cities. Standard methodological procedures in regional sciences, including descriptive statistics and ArcGIS visualization, were employed. The results revealed similarities and differences in the transformation of the two cities and indicated the substantial scale of their post-industrial transformation. Major structural changes have occurred since the 1990s. The last two decades have been directed towards creating modern post-industrial environments while retaining the significant and visible industrial heritage.

Shopping centers do not operate in a vacuum but in a society of diverse stakeholders who influence their profit and growth. Therefore, shopping centers management addresses the problem of incorporating social dimensions in their management. The paper aims to identify and evaluate managerial approaches and marketing strategies of shopping centers in the Czech Republic in the context of social dimensions leading to sustainable operation. The research builds methodologically on an online questionnaire survey with top management of shopping centers. It took place at the turn of the years 2019/2020. Out of 88 Czech existing shopping centers, 30 completed responses were received (response rate 34%). The managerial approaches and marketing activities of shopping centers aimed at customers, internal employees, and tenants of the shopping centers were assessed. In addition to profit, the main social aspect on which the management of shopping centers places an emphasis is also loyalty. A properly set working environment and working conditions are essential to achieve higher employee productivity and consequently higher profits. The shopping centers should increase their social roles to preserve the well-being of their employees and enhance customer satisfaction.

Sciendo provides publishing services and solutions to academic and professional organizations and individual authors. We publish journals, books, conference proceedings and a variety of other publications.