Since World War II, the North American landscape has been remade to suit the automobile. Urban spaces often languished (with notable exceptions) in favour of suburban spaces, spread out such that driving and automobile ownership became necessities.
A tremendous automotive-industry lobby contributed to this phenomenon. Government built roads provided a massive subsidy to the motor vehicle industry. Moreover, the automotive industry specifically lobbied against transit plans.
The “Fordist” model of human organization that prevailed also included growing numbers of Malls, Power Centres, and stand-alone big-box stores where suburban residents did their shopping (by car, SUV or mini-van).
Therefore, assuming this “Great Reset” is occurring, the shift toward more urban living, less automotive use, and living in smaller spaces is going to threaten the general profitability and size of a wide range of companies and industries. Shopping without a car and living in a smaller home will likely mean buying less — unless it’s totally disposable, which generally goes against the ecological sensitivities that many people share today.
Will the large retailers and makers of products now widely consumed adapt (assuming this is possible) or fight the tide?
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