For centuries to be near the market where the company would sell the goods was one of the most important location factors for example for perishable goods. Now, to be near a market continues being important but less than before due to the improvement of transports that now are cheaper and quicker.
Anyway some modern factories tend to locate in areas where many people live. This is mainly because present-day industries need large markets in which to sell their goods.
Some kinds of industry are located near the consumer for different reasons.
- Some kinds of merchandise (fresh bread for example) are perishable.
- Some (textile, furniture making) could be located anywhere so location close to cities are chosen to take advantage of the availability of labour and a bigger consumer market.