Will Big Box Stores Succeed In Portland?

Growth in the Portland metropolitan area has oriented around neighborhood-based centers, a concept that is contrary to large market retail model of big box stores. Following a decade of planning and subsidies-fueled development along light-rail lines, city officials in Portland and other nearby cities are looking to Metro for help in keeping big box retailers out of their communities. Oregon City and Hillsboro have turned away proposed Wal-Mart stores in recent years.