When many big-box retailers — and even chains with medium-sized stores — move into urban locations, they need to think differently. The smaller space has to be used creatively.

According to Stephanie Clifford: “As young Americans move to cities, retailers that grew up in the suburbs are following them. And unlike previous efforts, they are doing it the cities’ way. With little room to expand in the suburbs, retailers, including Office Depot, Wal-Mart and Target, are betting that opening small city stores will help their growth.

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Photo by Robert Caplin for the New York Times