How gyms, salons and food are changing retail on Main Street : NPR

Key Points:

• Ridgewood, New Jersey, a commuter suburb known for its shopping, is experiencing a shift from traditional retail stores to service-oriented businesses like spas, gyms, and restaurants, reflecting a broader national trend.
• According to CoStar data, 2023 marked the first year where the majority of U.S. retail space was leased to service tenants rather than goods sellers, driven by changing consumer habits favoring experiences and wellness.
• This shift is reshaping downtown areas and malls differently: malls add entertainment and health services to attract visitors, while downtowns often see service businesses replacing retail shops, potentially reducing overall shopping diversity.
• Local business owners express mixed feelings about the change, with some valuing the vibrancy and foot traffic services bring, while others worry that fewer boutique shops may diminish the town's unique retail appeal.
• Despite online shopping's rise, consumers still value physical experiences, such as strolling and socializing in town centers, which cannot be replicated digitally, supporting the growth of service-based businesses in places like Ridgewood.