strip malls
Parking lot storefronts
A strip mall is a row of stores sharing a single building, typically set back from a road with parking in front.
Unlike enclosed shopping malls, strip malls have exterior entrances to each business.
They house everyday services—dry cleaners, nail salons, pizza shops, dental offices.
The architecture is utilitarian, often described as bland or ugly: The highway was lined with strip malls and fast food joints.
Self-service clothes-washing business
- nail salonManicure establishment
- dry cleaningSolvent-based fabric care
- haircutStyling by trimming
- tanning salonUV bed establishment
check cashing · pawn shop · tattoo parlor · alterations · tax preparer · massage parlor · insurance office · urgent care
Secures ships to seabed
- tenantsProperty renters
- leaseTemporary use contract
- zoningSectioning areas by use
- franchiseLicensed business operation
footfall · commercial real estate · property management · landlord · visibility · vacancy · signage · storefront
Extend in disorderly fashion
- parking lotOutdoor vehicle storage area
- cul-de-sacStreet closed at end
- bedroom communityResidential area near employment center
- commuterOne who travels regularly
tract housing · subdivision · outskirts · cookie cutter · residential · developments · exurb · neighborhood
Speedy prepared meals
- pharmacyMedicinal dispensary
- groceriesFood bought at stores
- liquor storeRetail alcohol vendor
- dollar storeRetailer selling inexpensive goods
ATM · gas station · takeout · pizza delivery · drive-thru · quick stop · pet store · smoke shop
Clothing collectively
- electronicsStudy of circuits
- shoe storeRetailer of footwear
- jewelryOrnamental personal accessories
- cosmeticsSkin-applied beauty substances
sporting goods · furniture · discount store · thrift store · mattress store · consignment · vape shop · wireless carrier
laundromat
Self-service clothes-washing business
- nail salonManicure establishment
- dry cleaningSolvent-based fabric care
- haircutStyling by trimming
tanning salon · check cashing · pawn shop · tattoo parlor · alterations · tax preparer · massage parlor · insurance office · urgent care · dentist
anchor
Secures ships to seabed
franchise · footfall · commercial real estate · property management · landlord · visibility · vacancy · signage · storefront · rental
sprawl
Extend in disorderly fashion
- parking lotOutdoor vehicle storage area
- cul-de-sacStreet closed at end
- bedroom communityResidential area near employment center
commuter · tract housing · subdivision · outskirts · cookie cutter · residential · developments · exurb · neighborhood · planned community
fast food
Speedy prepared meals
- pharmacyMedicinal dispensary
- groceriesFood bought at stores
- liquor storeRetail alcohol vendor
dollar store · ATM · gas station · takeout · pizza delivery · drive-thru · quick stop · pet store · smoke shop · lottery tickets
apparel
Clothing collectively
- electronicsStudy of circuits
- shoe storeRetailer of footwear
- jewelryOrnamental personal accessories
cosmetics · sporting goods · furniture · discount store · thrift store · mattress store · consignment · vape shop · wireless carrier · vitamin shop
- retailretail sales, Amazon, marketplace, clearance, sale
- urban sprawlsprawl, suburbanization, suburbs, subdivisions, tract housing
- overbuildingoversupply, overcapacity, sprawl, condos, ghost towns
- constructionconstruction site, building site, hammer, building, beam
- real estatehouse, home, apartment, property, sale
- local businessessmall business, corner store, shops, retailers, local shops
strip mallsshopping malls
Large enclosed retail centers
galleria · shopping centers · department stores · Mall of America
strip mallsmain streets
Primary urban thoroughfares
pedestrian plazas · walkable neighborhoods · town centers · village squares · transit-oriented development
strip mallsartisan markets
Venues for handmade goods
Rodeo Drive · Fifth Avenue · craft fairs · flagship stores · boutique shopping