Abstract
This paper investigates the competitiveness of dominant retail and service agglomeration formats, that is urban retail and service clusters (URSC) and shopping malls. Drawing on the network and resource-based theories, a conceptual model proposes that the core resources and capabilities of such store networks affect competitiveness, measured by the patronage intentions of consumers. The model is tested in three distinctive and international urban settings (Vienna, Ljubljana and Bratislava) using web-based consumer surveys. Structural equation modelling reveals that, in all three urban settings, the major network resources affecting patronage intentions in terms of preferred URSC are atmosphere and accessibility, and in terms of preferred shopping mall, the store mix. The most substantial effect is due to the store mix in all store networks except one URSC. This insight into customers’ patronage behaviour across formats will provide academics, agglomeration managers and retailers with a richer understanding of which network resources and capabilities (can) drive the competiveness of agglomerations.