Sberbank of Russia identified a big problem in its neighborhoods: new retail spaces rarely remained in business for more than two years. Why? Because local communities weren’t getting the shops and services they really wanted. So the bank decided to tap into the local perspective by asking residents to weigh in. “What do we need here?” large signs, plastered on vacant retail windows asked. “A kid-friendly cafe? An art gallery? A fast food joint?” The bank shared data with interested entrepreneurs.
