By Russell W. Muncaster

The globalization of retailing has had a strong impact on the commercial structure of municipalities all over the world.  This study looks at how the globalization of retailing has affected one urban area in Ontario, Canada.  The recent arrival of new format retailing in Ontario has produced a change in the retail sector.  New format retailers have not only changed consumer behaviour but they have also caused dramatic changes to the retail structure.  This paper will describe and assess the impact of these new forms of retailing on the commercial structure of the Region of Waterloo.