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Spatial Search

Author

Listed:
  • Xiaoming Cai

    (Peking University HSBC Business School)

  • Pieter Gautier

    (VU University Amsterdam)

  • Ronald Wolthoff

    (University of Toronto)

Abstract

This paper considers a random search model where some locations provide sellers with better chances of meeting many buyers than other locations (for example popular shopping streets or the first page of a search engine). When sellers are heterogeneous in terms of the quality of their product and/or the probability that a given buyer likes their product, it is desirable that sellers of high-quality niche products sort into the best locations. We show that this does not always happen in a decentralized market. Finally, we allow for endogenous location distributions and show that more trades are realized when locations are similar (in which case the aggregate matching function is urn-ball) but that quality weighted trade can be higher when locations are heterogeneous.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaoming Cai & Pieter Gautier & Ronald Wolthoff, 2024. "Spatial Search," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 24-015/VIII, Tinbergen Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20240015
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Christopher A. Pissarides, 2000. "Equilibrium Unemployment Theory, 2nd Edition," MIT Press Books, The MIT Press, edition 1, volume 1, number 0262161877, April.
    2. Guido Menzio, 2023. "Optimal Product Design: Implications for Competition and Growth Under Declining Search Frictions," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 91(2), pages 605-639, March.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    search frictions; spatial equilibrium; sorting;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C78 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Bargaining Theory; Matching Theory
    • D44 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Auctions
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness

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