Contact Us
Contact Us

Ep. 21 Explores Merch Stores and Remaking Downtown

Episode 21 of Localogy’s This Week in Local Podcast examines two interesting recent trends. And these trends exist at opposite ends of the local spectrum. 

Co-host Mike Boland talks about Amazon’s effort to extend its eCommerce footprint via Amazon Anywhere. This allows app developers, for example, to easily create in-app merch stores. 

Amazon Brings Custom Stores to Third-Party Apps

Then I bring up an analog trend to convert empty downtown office buildings into residences. Cities are pursuing this avenue, once thought all but impossible, to reshape desolate post-pandemic downtowns.

A recent article featured this headline, “New York City Has 26 Empire State Buildings’ Worth of Empty Office Space After Pandemic”.

Range of Data Illustrates Turmoil in Commercial Real Estate
Like, Follow, Rate, Review

Please subscribe to This Week In Local on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please take a moment to give the podcast a rating and a review. Your engagement will help others discover this podcast.

This Week in Local is Localogy’s weekly podcast featuring brief but engaging conversations about events in the local digital ecosystem that Localogy serves.

Share Article...

Follow Us...

Facebook Linkedin Twitter

Stay ahead of the curve and get the latest on Local straight to your inbox.

By submitting this form, you agree to receive communications from Localogy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Picture of Charles Laughlin
Charles Laughlin
Charles Laughlin, senior analyst with Localogy, is a seasoned journalist with more than 20 years experience covering the industry.
All posts >

Related Resources

Yelp Challenges Assumptions and stereotypes About Gen Z

Yelp Challenges Assumptions About Gen Z

Yelp has released new data that challenges assumptions and stereotypes around the increasingly purchase-empowered Gen Z. The report, coproduced with Angus Reid Group, identifies the generation as more independently-minded and less swayed by influencer marketing than commonly thought. 

Mike Boland August 7, 2026

SOCi Draws a Straight Line From Online Visibility to Business Expansion

The chain restaurant world is a bit schizophrenic as it navigates various macro factors. Headlines point to Culver’s, Texas Roadhouse, and Nothing Bundt Cakes opening hundreds of new locations while Wendy’s, Papa John’s, and Pizza Hut close hundreds. SOCi has made some sense of what’s going on. 

Mike Boland August 6, 2026