Retailers are shying away from big malls and moving back into the comfort and security of neighborhoods.

The community center retail format—a supermarket, drugstore and various small shops and businesses—seems to be staying afloat during the economic tidal wave. Erin Hershkowitz, senior media relations specialist at the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) says that generally speaking, neighborhood shopping centers are doing better than others.

“Regional malls are places where consumers generally go to find apparel and gift items, but neighborhood shopping center tenants carry staple items and provide services that people need on a daily or weekly basis.”

Source: sanjose.bizjournals.com