Is A Small, Urban Wal-Mart Too Little Too Late?

Recent reports have revealed weaknesses in the big box business model. Will Wal-Mart’s new urban stores be as successful as its outdated model?

1 minute read

February 21, 2014, 6:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Several recent articles have examined the evolving business model exemplified most famously by Wal-Mart.

Krystina Gustafson reported that revenues for big box retailers like Wal-Mart declined as gas prices rose around the country in recent years.

Meanwhile, Charles Marohn wonders how willing taxpayers will be to subsidize the shift in business models after “peak Wal-Mart.”

And Edward McMahon provides an in-depth examination of new urban Wal-Marts, for example two new stores that opened on December 4, 2013, in Washington D.C.—one of which has neither surface parking nor setbacks.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014 in PlannersWeb

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