Mom-and-pop stores could be prime for a renaissance (ING)

Independent retailers have struggled to compete with bigger chains and Amazon in recent years
Sales have not kept up with rent, leading to "high rent blight."
Large retailers' avoidance of these areas could lead to an independent retail renaissance. For years, pundits have predicted the continued demise of independent retailers. The arrival of shopping malls and power centers drew foot traffic away from the neighborhood Mom-and-Pop stores. Next came the axe wielded by e-commerce giant