Big Box Effect: How Has Target Changed Driving Habits in Davis?

Prior to Target's construction in 2009, Davis had no big-box retail stores that carried everything from clothes and electronics to pet food and school supplies, all under one roof.

The chain's arrival was met with controversy, mostly out of concern for smaller businesses. 

So, how has the store affected the driving habits of locals in the four years that have followed? A study published this month by Journal for Transport and Land Use this month suggests Davisites now drive less than they did before Target.

The effect, according to the study, is that locals are less likely to drive to Vacaville or Dixon or Sacramento for items like socks, electronics or patio furniture. Basically, Davis's Target takes more busienss away from other out-of-town big box stores than it does from local shops.  

Click the attached PDF to see how the study was conducted and to read the detailed findings >>

"Downtown stores were the least affected with a small reduction in shopping frequency and little change in the types of items shopped for," the study says. Davis stores outside of downtown took a harder hit, though.  

The study does acknowledge the closure of Downtown Davis's Alphabet Moon, however. The toy store had been open for 18 years, and the owners cited the arrival of Target as one reason for closing. The economic downturn was another. 

The study was funded by grants from the UC Davis Sustainable Transportation Center, supported by the US Department of Transportation and the California Department of Transportation. 

Like Davis Patch on Facebook.