Retail Vacancies in City Centres – Causes and Consequences: Findings from Turku, Finland

Abstract

This study examines ground-floor retail vacancies in Turku CBD in 2016–2021. It is based on a longitudinal database formed for the study, interviews, discussions with the stakeholders, and documentary analysis. The study found that three fourths of the vacancies were short-term. The long-term vacancies were spaces no longer meeting the requirements of contemporary retailing. In cases where property development was possible, planning disputes may prolong the vacancies for years or even decades.