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America’s downtowns are trading retail for services

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.

NPR’s Alina Selyukh reports.

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.

Copyright 2026 WBUR

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