Later phases included suburban developments, some funded privately, some by local government, built around the new superstores as anchors and attractors. The large interconnected developments mentioned above were the final result. Indeed, it would not make economic sense even to aim to benefit just the petit-bourgeoisie. Shopping is an activity that offers genuine pleasures to a wide range of people, and, indeed, must do so for economic success. As is conventional, we can consider this from the point of view of the producers and the consumers.
Producers add meanings and values by design, of course.
Designers have grown from being advisors to manufacturers and retailers to becoming the dominant force in retail, able to control manufacturers and persuade retailers to undertake frequent expensive transformations of their premises. A number of techniques and developments are charted by Gardner and Shepherd. The development of the distinctive generational look of youth , for example, began in the 1960s, and still provides a certain restlessness as each generation wants to look different from their predecessors. The peak of the design industry comes with the conversion of the big established chain stores to design as a key factor. We are but a short step from the themed shopping mall, of course.