Identification of location selection criteria for shopping centres: Case of forum Istanbul

The development of shopping centres has begun (recently) in Turkey, in 1988, and nowadays the constantly increasing investments in shopping centres have gained an importance. The importance of location selection in the decision making process of significant real estate investments has been accepted by investors, real estate developers and scholars while the relevant market development has become mature and more professional. However, due to the late perception of the significance of location selection, many ongoing projects in big cities and others could not be completed or the processes did not continue after the acquisition of the lands which are waiting to be developed as inefficient investments. The right location selection is one of the crucial subjects for the success of a shopping centre. In the process of searching for the right location, the most advantageous area is selected after the assessment of alternative lands according to the location selection criterions. This study introduces 'location selection criteria' for shopping centres in Turkey, which is important in the development of shopping centres, via an analysis of the Forum Istanbul shopping centre project. As a matter of fact, the main aim of this study is to present information about the classification and types of shopping centres, the development of shopping centres in Turkey (particularly in Istanbul), the market, and the existing shopping centre and ones which are planned to be developed.