It's interesting but that isn't actually always the case - a lot of cities use oversized blocks (blocks that are both taller and wider than a row of buildings -

It's interesting but that isn't actually always the case - a lot of cities use oversized blocks (blocks that are both taller and wider than a row of buildings - see Barcelona[1]) if this is the case then large department stores can expand into the courtyard or gardenspace interior of the block and, of course, in a lot of European cities a lot of malls are built vertically and underground - sometimes lying underneath a road with entrances on both sides. Large stores can work in walkable cities and they do have a place - but they are usually for relatively rare needs (so more likely to be focused on clothes or specialty groceries). 1. https://media.istockphoto.com/photos/aerial-view-of-barcelona-main-street-and-city-skyline-with-blue-sky-picture-id1037961710?k=20&m=1037961710&s=170667a&w=0&h=XjK8M-XXVP7KVjCtYXkhIsBKk_6_06cYn5EWnLPFBp0= https://media.istockphoto.com/photos/aerial-view-of-barcelon...