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Wal-Mart prototype for Coast could go national.

Article Excerpt
Can you imagine a Wal-Mart that looks more like an upscale power center or a European village rather than a big box?

One of the best ideas for businesses rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina to come out of the Governor's Commission Mississippi Renewal Forum was a new model for Wal-Mart, said Ann Somers, president of the Institute of Architects in Mississippi. "Basically you cover up the big box with small retail," Somers said. "You have a two-story retail development all around the Wal-Mart, and Wal-Mart almost becomes the center of the block. I thought that was just a great idea. It is good for other retailers, too. It is like being in the mall. Other retailers can feed from the people coming into Wal-Mart."

The design has the facade of the Wal-Mart covered with attractive two-story retail establishments. Wal-Mart would be on the ground level, with specialty stores and service businesses at the front. The facade could be built in the style of the community fitting, for example, the historic character Of Pass Christian.

The idea is for a mixed commercial and residential Wal-Mart village...

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