So glad to hear that...

These are cultural choices that permeate the USA. I have not seen them visiting family in Scandinavia. They make different choices. Probalby much of Europe makes different choices. Social good has a higher priority, in law as well as custom.

There are some places here that resist. The state of Vermont, thru zoning laws, effectively made 'strip' development impossible long ago. I know multiple small towns that refused to allow 'big box' stores to locate there. Of course they just go to the next nearest place, but at least they did not have their way everywhere.