TYPISATION OF THE VOLGA FEDERAL DISTRICT SUBJECTS BY RETAIL TRADE DEVELOPMENT INDICATORS

In the context of the transformation of Russia's domestic market and growing competition between regions, the study of factors determining the level of retail trade development at the regional level is of particular importance. The Volga Federal District is represented by territories with different strategies and results of trade sector development, which makes it an ideal platform for typological analysis. The aim of the work is to conduct a typology of the Volga Federal District regions by the level of retail trade development, taking into account a comprehensive analysis of sectoral, economic and socio-demographic factors affecting the state and dynamics of the sector. The analysis is based on the approach of E.Y. Scheglova, which provides for the division of territorial organization factors of retail trade into three groups: sectoral, economic, socio-demographic. Each region of the Volga Federal District was ranked according to the selected quantitative indicators and then converted into a point system. An integral rating of the regions was formed based on the sum of ranks. The dynamics of the regions' position in the ranking was traced over a ten-year period (2013-2023). As a result of the research, a ranking of the Volga Federal District regions by the level of retail trade development has been constructed. It is determined that four regions have a highly developed “social base” for the functioning and expansion of chain trade, seven regions are characterized by average values of key factors, and three regions have low preparedness of the population and infrastructure for the effective development of modern retail trade. Dynamic changes over 10 years were analyzed, which allowed us to identify trends and prospects for the development of the trade sector in the regions. The results of the research can be used by state and regional authorities to develop effective strategies for retail trade development, adjust investment policy and support entrepreneurship.