Ken,
Speaking of the bigboxes, do we shop there because of the ambience? because
the exterior is inviting or exciting? No - The stores keep static signage -
which includes the colorful stripe painted on the box & a decorative entryway.
Its like McDonalds...If you see the Golden Arches, no matter where you are in
America - you know what to expect in merchandise.  Its just that the marketing
strategy - "no fancy frills - hey people, we are over here".  No, I dont think
our future history is signage - but much of it is.
Our past history had much of the same strategy - It too was not built to last
forever, after all, it was "only marketing signage".  Preservationists are
trying to save some of that as it is slowly disappearing:  Think of those ol'
tavern signs we duplicate on Main Streets, old Esso gas stations, the water
tower with a company name, the first McDonalds......
Candy B