As a result of urbanization, cities are now surrounded by suburbs, which often feature large out-of-town shopping centers. Inevitably, these retail outlets are becoming attractive alternatives to small town -center shops, leading to potential widespread car use. In spite of the possible benefits, I think there are more evident disadvantages to consider.
It is true that large shopping malls especially those chain stores offer a wider choice of products and services with a more competitive price due to economies of scale. As more people go shopping there, the multi-faced development of the outskirts of cities, such as economy and tourism etc., will be promoted. This could mitigate migration to cities, thereby reducing urban population density.
However, there are somehighly undesirable effects of this development. For one thing, a growing preference for large stores in the suburbs could run small town shop owners out of business. Most large out-of-town stores are operated by enterprises that aim to maximize profits without giving as much back to the local community as smaller stores. For another, it is imaginable that the desire to shop at suburban stores could prompt the public to be more dependent on private vehicles and result in mass car ownership. This trend, eventually, could exacerbate congestion and, by extension, air pollution. While people are struggling with severe problems caused by increasing traffic and pollution in cities and on highways everywhere, we should not make the situation worse.
To conclude, despite the advantages of establishing large stores on the outskirts of cities, shopping there does harm small businesses and indeed takes a toll on local traffic infrastructure and the environment.
