By Keion Harris and Stephanie Leiser, The Conversation

The Conversation is an independent, nonprofit news organization that provides readers with facts and analysis from researchers and scientists. Their goal is to assist readers in understanding a complex world.

Detroit covers 139 square miles, an area that could include Manhattan, Boston, and San Francisco combined. Despite this expansive urban footprint, Detroit differs from these major cities in a significant way.

Detroit is home to a surprisingly low number of national ‘big-box’ retailers. This characteristic sets it apart from other urban centers that typically host numerous such establishments.