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.

1 minute read

March 1, 2018, 2:00 PM PST

By Philip Rojc @PhilipRojc


Santana Row

Eric Fredericks / Flickr

Confronted with the so-called "retail apocalypse," stores in San Jose have found success with creative approaches that do things traditional malls (and Amazon) cannot. These include experiential offerings, adaptable spaces, and a willingness to merge online shopping with brick and mortar.

For SPUR, Kathryn Exon Smith and Jaclyn Tidwell write, "Lifestyle shops now make up a higher percentage of retail space in both malls and downtown strips, replacing traditional goods and apparel stores with restaurants, entertainment and other services."

Greater adaptability lets retailers cater to demand more closely. "Communal spaces are on the rise in downtown San Jose as well, with food halls like the SoFA Market and San Pedro Square Market, maker spaces like Tech Shop, and co-working companies such as NextSpace and WeWork setting up downtown in recent years. The lifespan of retail spaces is changing, too, with property owners trying out more flexible, interim uses."

Other methods meld online and in-person shopping. "Many are offering the option to buy online and pick up in store, such as the Amazon package pick-up location that has recently opened on the long-vacant downtown corner at 2nd and San Fernando streets."

Friday, February 16, 2018 in SPUR

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

5 hours ago - Zachary Whalen

Overlapping highways

The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin

People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.

September 8, 2026 - Benjamin Schneider

The Hoover Dam blocking the Colorado River. The river's water level is noticeably low. The cliffs surrounding the blue water are brown and jagged.

US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico

A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.

September 11, 2026 - The Arizona Republic

A cluster of wind turbines beneath a stormy sky, above a forest where the leaves are beginning to change colors.

5 New England states march closer to 800 megawatt wind energy project

Securing federal approval for the project may be complicated under the Trump administration, which has historically been hostile towards domestic wind power.

1 hour ago - Inside Climate News

People boarding a bus on Maryland's Orange Route.

Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project

The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.

2 hours ago - Mass Transit

A brick building with a circular sign with the Airbnb logo hanging off of it.

Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin

The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.

3 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.