Why Macy’s, Best Buy, IKEA and Target are building smaller stores [Video]

CINCINNATI — Remember a decade ago when stores kept getting bigger and bigger?

They called them superstores and megastores.

But now that trend is reversing, with many retailers going “mini.”

After all, mini is cute — whether it’s a Mini Cooper, Mini Me from Austin Powers or even mini houses.

Macy’s is the latest to join the trend, with its new small format “Market by Macy’s,” which it is launching in 30 cities around the U.S. These stores are opening in shopping centers as dozens of underperforming department stores close in aging malls.

New Cincinnati store focuses on popular women’s items

The newest Market by Macy’s location just opened in Rookwood Commons & Plaza in Norwood, where a former Bed, Bath, and Beyond store once sat.

Macy’s says it is one-fifth the size of standard mall stores, but features almost as many cosmetics and aisles of trendy women’s clothing. The men’s and children’s departments are small, though, with a limited selection.

Shopper Cheryl Richard …