• Ten rules for successful storefront design

    An engaging storefront starts with a vision, then good storytelling, and design that engages the community.
    Editor's note: The following is an excerpt from an e-book, The Ten No-B.S. Rules for Successful Storefront Design . If you are a retail or restaurant entrepreneur, reading the entire book is highly recommended—it is full of excellent advice. Download here . 1. Create a vision You are a small...Read more

  • Designing and building mixed-use centers in the suburbs

    Retail success is tricky in new urban places—so pay attention to fundamental principles because buying and selling are essential activities in a walkable urban center.
    This is one of a series of ongoing Public Square articles on the market, technological, and cultural transformation of the $5 trillion retail industry—and how it relates to a continued shift toward walkable, urban living. Mixed-use centers—often in suburban locations—continue to be built from the...Read more

  • Strategies for downtown merchant success

    Here are ideas to help main streets and their businesses take back market share as the shopping center industry transforms.
    This is one of a series of ongoing Public Square articles on the market, technological, and cultural transformation of the $5 trillion retail industry—and how it relates to a continued shift toward walkable, urban living. The market correction among mall department stores and chains, combined with...Read more

  • How brick-and-mortar stores can benefit from e-commerce

    The impact of e-commerce on physical stores is not as negative as many believe—downtown merchants can thrive in this environment through omni-channel marketing and creating unique experiences.
    This is one of a series of ongoing Public Square articles on the market, technological, and cultural transformation of the $5 trillion retail industry—and how it relates to a continued shift toward walkable, urban living. It is quite popular to blame the “retail apocalypse” myth on the growth of e-...Read more