Ezhil Arasi Baskaran

Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, and South Asians form the largest visible minority group in the Toronto Census Metropolitan Area (CMA). The increased inflow of South Asians over the past few decades has resulted in further development of South Asian commercial activities which contribute significantly to the retail landscape of Toronto. From 2000 to 2009, the South Asian population grew, however the number of South Asian retail stores saw an increase in the first five years followed by a gradual dip in the next five years. The types of businesses that have seen a constant increase in number are those that serve both ethnic and non-ethnic clientele. Spatial autocorrelation measures were used to determine the spatial patterns of South Asian population and retail stores. Clustering of South Asian population was observed in 2004 that became more pronounced in 2009. No clustering of South Asian commercial activity was detected in 2004; however, there was some clustering in 2009. It was also observed that businesses tend to be set up near areas of high South Asian population which resulted in the formation of ethnic enclaves. The clusters of South Asian population and South Asian businesses were analyzed to assess where the South Asian enclaves have developed, and were found to be mainly in the areas of Mississauga, Brampton and Scarborough.

A trade area analysis was also conducted for the Sitara Mall which is being developed as the largest South Asian mall in Toronto. It was found that the mall is situated in a strategic location which already has many South Asian points of interest, a high South Asian population and a general demographic that has a reasonably high purchasing power.