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Reuse of vacated commercial buildings has also become an issue. Many of the <br />previously constructed Wal-Mart stores are not easily redeveloped due to specific user <br />needs. While a code amendment focused at requiring re-use or removal could be <br />considered, this does not appear to be of issue in Eugene given the limitation on available <br />commercial land. <br /> <br />Noise, light, and glare relating to operations of superstores could also be considered, <br />given the 24 hour operation of these centers. It is expected that these kinds of issues <br />would be addressed in the site review permit process. Additionally, maximums for <br />parking are defined in the code. <br /> <br />Much of the current superstore dialogue relates to the issue of impact on existing small <br />business. Because of facilitated access to a variety of services under one roof, small <br />single tenant retailers are challenged by the cost containment associated with big boxes. <br />While certainly an issue for local government, it is questionable if limiting superstore <br />access within the City of Eugene will promote use of local small business. In many <br />cases, it would be reasonable to expect the trip generation to follow the use outside the <br />city limit. <br /> <br />Of benefit to the discussion of economic impact are retail trends. The Urban Land <br />Institute (ULI), as early as 1990, reported that retail sales were "trending" in two different <br />and distinct directions. Retailers are tending either to cater to low prices, or oppositely, <br />to go to high-end retailing with an entertainment component. Most recently, ULI has <br />identified this high-end strategy as "lifestyle retail" where consumers are drawn to <br />premium high customer service and the purchase experience. Fifth Street Market, <br />Oakway Mall (the recent expansion), and the Saturday Market are good local examples of <br />this retail strategy. This is also reflected in national tenants embracing this approach <br />(Borders, Barnes and Noble, and Trader Joes). Frequently, in lifestyle retailing, <br />entertainment and restaurants co-exist with retailers to provide a recreational purchase <br />experience. <br /> <br />At the other end of the spectrum is volume based retailing at low cost, with few shopping <br />amenities. Supercenters and warehouse clubs are the best examples of this type of <br />retailing. It is acknowledged that this retail component is responsive to the customer who <br />chooses, by necessity or choice, a low cost option. <br /> <br />The effect of these retail trends on downtown commercial uses, imbedded in many <br />downtown redevelopment strategies, is that small, owner-proprietor businesses may be <br />best positioned to compete in the lifestyle retail niche. Redevelopment of downtowns <br />and the success of their businesses can be facilitated by the local government creating a <br />"lifestyle" environment in their downtown spaces and public amenities. <br /> <br />Two issues that relate to big box retailing are labor practices and type of ownership. <br />Both are briefly discussed here. <br /> <br />The issue of wage levels paid by supercenters, as compared to those employed at <br />traditional food markets has been cited as cause for concern. Much of the dialogue in the <br />California food clerk impasse related to the assertion that traditional supermarkets had to <br /> <br /> <br />