To enter a huge emerging market, large-scale retailers such as Wal-Mart may have to recast themselves.
"The enticements of selling in India are clear: a fast-growing market of one billion consumers in which the vast majority have yet to buy their first phone, moped or caffè latte. With incomes rising, credit easing and a fresh view of shopping for fun, retail in India is projected to be a $300 billion business by 2010, up from about $200 billion today....In 2005 alone, it has been forecast that India will triple its organized retail space, to 2.3 million square meters, or 25 million square feet. A question is how "Indianized" the new face of Indian retailing should be."
As megastores try and enter the Indian market they are met by unique challenges including traditional markets, zoning and consumer preferences. The article looks at some of the strategies retailers are adopting to tap this grand market.
Thanks to John Koch-Schulte
FULL STORY: Megastores gaze longingly at India

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

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)