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Selling experiences, not things: Services overtake physical goods in downtown retail

NPR | By Alina Selyukh

Published August 8, 2026 at 7:43 AM EDT

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America's downtowns are changing. Storefronts that used to showcase clothes or gifts are giving way to gyms and salons. Last year marked the first time that more retail space went to shops offering services rather than things.