New spatial trends in consumer services in Norway. A theoretical empirical approach

Abstract

This article provides an analysis of recent changes in location within three of the main sectors of consumer and mixed consumer-producer services in Norway. Against the background of underlying forces, mainly economic, technological and organizational variables, the patterns of an emerging new service landscape arc discussed, the characteristics of which are dependent on level of analysis. Considered in a broad context and interregionally, it is still appropriate to speak of a hierarchy in a more or less classical sense. Considered in an intraregional dimension, a far more diffuse locational pattern than earlier postulated is emerging. Central-place theory is still valid in this sphere of services, but must be supplemented with expanded explanation systems, particularly relevant parts of organization theory.