Modular Buildings as a Potential for Small Trade Development in a Sustainable City

The development of retail stores is determined by many factors, including the availability of retail space. The construction of a new building requires time, resources, and permits. This article aims to examine the possibilities of implementing small modular retail facilities built on the principles of vending machines, which do not require constant service and social space, by examining important groups of factors: architectural and structural, production, environmental, and costs. A vending machine in modular construction technology provides new opportunities for the development of a retail network in previously inaccessible places. The research presented in this article was conducted based on a literature review and interviews with experts, on the basis of which, using the network thinking methodology, critical factors were isolated and analysed in detail. The research results show the benefits of using modular technology, meeting the assumptions of the circular economy in terms of reducing the carbon footprint and improving the construction stage and investment costs, while taking into account the aesthetics of the surroundings. The results can contribute to the popularisation of the use of modular facilities, which can complement the development of downtown areas, making cities more sustainable.