Alternative Spatial Models
摘要
In this chapter, I consider several variations of the basic Hotelling model. In particular, I consider the case of a circular instead of linear distribution of the consumers (Salop circle). I also consider the case where the consumers are agglomerated in two or more cities (barbell model), or they are distributed along spokes (spokes model), or along a triangle (triangular Hotelling model). I discuss a model combining the linear and the Hotelling model (quasi-linear city model), and I introduce a model where the cost of moving depends on the direction (unidirectional Hotelling model). Finally, I show that spatial models can also be used to analyse vertical differentiation between firms.