Ross Stores continues its expansion in the face of a much-foretold retail apocalypse. The shopping experience it provides may be one reason it can stand up to Amazon.
The impending death of retail has been much-debated. The narrative that Amazon (in particular) will supplant brick and mortar stores confronts those who argue that retail is here to stay. Meanwhile, Amazon's acquisition of Whole Foods has prompted another round of debate.
Here, Melissa Wylie compiles coverage of Ross Stores, a popular chain that might be immune to the Amazon effect. Wylie writes, "The company opened stores across 22 states and nearly half are located in the Midwest, Ross' newest market, per Chain Store Age. CEO Barbara Rentler led Ross Stores in adding 96 locations in 2017, bringing the company total to 1,412 stores in 37 states [...]"
One line of thinking ascribes Ross's success to the experience it provides: "the experience of shopping at Ross, which usually involves sorting through messy piles of clothes and household goods, is 'un-Amazonable.'"
FULL STORY: The 'un-Amazonable' Ross just keeps growing
Innovative Approaches May Save Physical Retail
In places like San Jose, "new approaches to the storefront" are paying dividends for physical retailers willing to experiment.
The End of the Mall? Navigating the Shifting Retail Landscape
More online shopping means fewer consumers are spending money at brick-and-mortar stores, with suburban malls hit especially hard. But municipalities are looking for creative strategies to navigate a post-mall world.
New York City's First Outlet Mall Still a 'Ghost Town'
Perched on the northeastern tip of Staten Island next to the ferry terminal, Empire Outlets has only filled 26 of its 75 storefronts since a grand opening in May.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie