Many retailers are downsizing their operations and squeezing into buildings with less square footage that feature more effective store plans. In this week’s Retail Rap column, I discuss this trend, how different retailers are implementing it and how I see it effecting both the companies looking to make changes and consumers who shop at these stores.

I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but it seems like you can’t pick up a paper or click a mouse lately without reading about some big-box retailer rolling out its smaller store format. Target has its new 60,000-square-foot CityTarget concept, while Walmart has Walmart Neighborhood Market and Walmart Express stores. It seems like everyone is downsizing.

Check out the full article from my recurring column, Retail Rap, at Chain Store Age.