Global Main Street: Internet Helps Downtown Smart Growth Revival

"The technology’s widening use by small retailers is enlivening downtowns across the country by enabling merchants to market niche products to a national and global Main Street...

In 1995 Internet sales totaled $5.3 billion. Ten years later, in just the second quarter of 2005 alone, Internet retail sales reached $21.1 billion, according to the Commerce Department. Beneficiaries include small merchants and America’s downtowns, both of which are experiencing Internet-led revivals."