TWO FACES OF RETAIL GENTRIFICATION: THE CASE OF TIRADENTES (MG)

Leonardo Castriota; Caroline Santos de Oliveira; André Geraldo Gilberto Alves Vaz

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Paper Title

TWO FACES OF RETAIL GENTRIFICATION: THE CASE OF TIRADENTES (MG)

Authors

Leonardo Castriota
Caroline Santos de Oliveira
André Geraldo Gilberto Alves Vaz

Modality

Abstract

Subject area

4. Contemporary Challenges in Heritage Discourse - A critical examination of the state of the art in heritage discussions, considering the evolving perspectives and challenges that have emerged since the inception of the Venice Charter. Examining the relevance of the Venice Charter in the current context, with a focus on challenges posed by the Western divide between nature and culture, the growing importance of metropolises, social inequities, the environmental impact of human activities, disasters and conflicts, among others.

Publishing Date

11/04/2025

Country of Publishing

Brazil | Brasil

Language of Publishing

Inglês

Paper Page

https://www.even3.com.br/anais/icomos-scientific-symposium-2024-439820/881611-two-faces-of-retail-gentrification--the-case-of-tiradentes-(mg)

ISBN

978-65-272-1284-3

Keywords

Retail gentrification. Tourism. Heritage.

Summary

The city and commerce share a symbiotic relationship. Consequently, the manifestations and transformations (re)produced in the urban space resonate in the tertiary sector. Moreover, commerce also acts as an agent within the urban space where it is established. In light of this, the present work aims to present and discuss one of the phenomena that manifests in urban space and has been particularly debated in recent decades under the commercial theme: gentrification. In this widespread phenomenon, one can notice a variation linked to the commerce, the so-called “retail gentrification”, that has been defined by P. Hubbard as “involving the up-scaling of shops and related businesses, and the concomitant displacement of the local stores and services on which working class residents rely” (2018). To this end, the work is based on a case study conducted in Tiradentes (Minas Gerais), where on-site surveys were conducted to identify the phenomenon of retail gentrification and how it manifests in the city's urban space. The municipality stands out for its architectural, cultural, and natural heritage, being an important tourist hub in the region. With a population of 10,960 inhabitants and dozens of major events in the city's daily life, concerns arise regarding preservation, urban planning, and gentrification. These concerns also stem from the city's relevance due to its architectural and urban ensemble, which has been listed since 1938, reflecting the pattern of interiorization and consolidation of the colonization of Brazilian territory. Based on this, the methodology of the field survey relied on three specific methods. Firstly, the "focus groups" method was used, inviting residents, specialists, representatives of civil society and government, and enthusiasts of the municipality. Next, a quantitative survey was conducted on the retail establishments located on two axes of historical, commercial, tourist, heritage, and morphological importance in the municipality: Direita and Frederico Ozanan streets. Both streets lead to Largo das Forras, a central point and venue for events in the city. In this stage, aspects related to the vocation of the axes, specific uses, types of commerce, origin of the owners, target audience, price range of products and/or services, and aspects related to the visual identity of retail establishments were surveyed. Finally, in the last stage of the field survey, interviews with key agents of the municipality were used for qualitative analysis. The research highlighted the impacts of tourism on retail gentrification, revealing the displacement of residents, the transformation of residential areas into commercial ones, and the marginalization of the local community. It underscores the urgency of urban planning that regulates tourism, promotes sustainable practices, and ensures benefits to the community without compromising cultural heritage. Within this research, the focus also revealed the coexistence of two types of retail gentrification manifestations. Occurring simultaneously, the two main streets surveyed in loco present retail hubs catering to different economic standards of tourists, indicating a direct relationship between the city, touristification, and retail gentrification.

Title of the Event: ICOMOS SCIENTIFIC SYMPOSIUM 2024
City of the Event: Ouro Preto
Title of the Proceedings of the event: ICOMOS 2024 Scientific Symposium Proceedings
Name of the Publisher: Even3
Means of Dissemination: Meio Digital

How to cite

CASTRIOTA, Leonardo; OLIVEIRA, Caroline Santos de; VAZ, André Geraldo Gilberto Alves. TWO FACES OF RETAIL GENTRIFICATION: THE CASE OF TIRADENTES (MG).. In: ICOMOS 2024 Scientific Symposium Proceedings. Anais...Ouro Preto(MG) Convention Center / UFOP/ UFMG Campus, 2024. Available in: https//www.even3.com.br/anais/icomos-scientific-symposium-2024-439820/881611-TWO-FACES-OF-RETAIL-GENTRIFICATION--THE-CASE-OF-TIRADENTES-(MG). Access in: 31/08/2025