Commoditized?

[Kim & Rima McKinzey]

In an article in today's (Sunday) SF Chronicle on the economic
problems facing Union Square, the discussion is on balancing familiar
chain stores (e.g. Crate & Barrel or William Sonoma) found in
suburban malls with upscale, more prestigious establishments.

There is the quote: "We have to be very, very careful how much we let
Union Square get commoditized.  Union Square is getting to the status
of being the last holdout, with retail being so commoditized...."

I hadn't heard it before.

Rima