Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of the Retail Industry in Ningbo City in Eastern China Based on POI Data

The retail industry is a crucial element of the urban commercial framework, and its spatial configuration profoundly influences its urban planning, infrastructure development, resource allocation, and sustainable development. Based on the point of interest (POI) data for Ningbo’s retail industry in eastern China, this study used methodologies such as kernel density estimation, buffer analysis, and local spatial autocorrelation analysis to investigate the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of Ningbo’s retail industry. The findings are as follows. First, the spatial distribution of Ningbo’s retail industry exhibits a “block aggregation and multi-center development” pattern. The overall trend is oriented from northwest to southeast. Second, various retail outlets generally cluster around two core zones and multiple island-like areas, which reflect the differences in hotspots due to varying characteristics. Third, the spatial distribution of retail stores is highly correlated with the physical geographical features, population distribution, major road networks, and residential zones. The research findings indicate that Ningbo currently faces issues such as an excessive concentration of specific retail formats and a lack of format diversity. Optimization strategies were proposed to sustainably develop the retail industry of Ningbo. This study provides valuable information to formulate sustainable development strategies for the retail industry in Ningbo and other small and medium cities.