Influence of Socio-demographic Factors and Changes of Consumer Preferences on Formation of Regional Networks of Sales Outlets

The article studies the world experience of influence of socio-demographic factors on formation of regional retail trade networks, which are significantly differentiated in different regions, which is caused by natural-resource, climate, historical and cultural conditions. In order to have better understanding of processes that accompany formation of such networks, factors that are determining in the process of formation of retail trade in different countries were systemised and extrapolated on the regional level. In accordance with modern theories a region is considered as a quasi-state and not just as a concentration of natural resources and population, production and consumption of goods. It analyses reaction of retail trade operators on the change of consumer preferences. Significance of this problem for economy of the state and constant appearance of new factors, which might significantly influence development of retail trade, require permanent monitoring of this issue, which would provide the domestic retailer with a possibility to overcome the current lag from global leaders.