Locating Hypermarket stores with an emphasis on spatial and local indicators (Case study: Rasht metropolis)

Nowadays, the optimal location of hypermarket stores is considered important both in terms of urban planning and human settlements, as well as in terms of private sector investment and the concept of marketing and trade, and paying attention to this issue will solve many problems in both areas. Also, paying attention to the social welfare of citizens is one of the effective components in ensuring public participation and obtaining collective satisfaction. Therefore, one of the examples of this issue can be seen in setting up stores and shopping centers.

The purpose of this study is to locate hypermarkets with an emphasis on spatial and local indicators for use in planning the construction of new stores to cover the shortage hypermarkets in Rasht.

The current research method is descriptive-analytical and geographical information systems and network analysis process have been used to investigate the issue.Geographical territory of the research: The geographical territory of this research is the metropolis of Rasht.

The findings of the research and problem solving revealed that according to the defined local and spatial criteria, the current hypermarket stores in the metropolis of Rasht are not located in the suitable places.

According to the research results, 13 places were proposed for the construction of new hypermarkets in district 3, 4, and 5 of Rasht Municipality, which due to the high population density of Rasht metropolis can be expected that with the construction of this new store next to existing stores, the needs of residents of this city will be met.