Retailing

As Americans hit the malls this Friday, we asked some folks around the globe about the equivalent to Black Friday in their country. What we found is a many similarities, but not many places that do it quite the American way.

The creation of the enclosed shopping mall came about, ironically, for security purposes. But the terrorist attacks in Kenya have shattered the widely-held assumption that malls are secure spaces.

There’s a movement afoot to bring art — real art — to the masses. Costco, though its website, is selling Warhols and Matisses, and that’s just the beginning. Art dealer Greg Moors says fine art is becoming more broadly available, in place of tacky prints.

Saranac Lake lost its only department store in 2002. When that happened, locals had to travel 50 miles to buy socks or sheets. So they banded together, made a plan and late last year they opened a community-owned department store. They’re happy to say that they’re selling more than they projected they would at this point in time.

Many Americans can’t shop at Whole Foods or a local co-op, either because it’s too expensive or too far away. But there are still ways to eat healthy.