A recent article in the Charlotte Observer reported

A recent article in the Charlotte Observer reported on the trend toward “billboard buildings,” new commercial buildings that serve as a visual trademark for national retail chains in order to be instantly recognized by consumers. “It’s a marketing plan,” according to Gib Daniel, a developer of such stores for Eckerd Drugs. Repeating the same design over and over in large, free-standing stores saves Eckerd money, Daniel says. Many chains, such as Rite-Aid, CVS, Circuit City, Wal-Mart, and virtually all fast food restaurants take the same approach. Neighborhood protesters fear repetition of “billboard buildings” will lead to a homogenous landscape, and have had some success in forcing design changes in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Dealing with “billboard buildings” represents yet another major challenge to new urbanists.