FARGO (AP) - This city got its first strip mall in 1955. Now there are some 70 of them in the metro area that includes Moorhead, Minn.

Since 2000, 25 strip malls have been built or are under construction in Fargo alone.

There are now 41 strip malls listed on Fargo's 2006 tax rolls. Another dozen or so have either opened during the past year or are under construction, according to Fargo Planning Department records.

West Fargo has three strip centers.

Many shoppers prefer smaller malls with individual store entrances, said Fargo City Planner Jim Gilmour.

"The strip center is probably becoming more popular than the enclosed mall. You don't see that many shopping centers built anymore," Gilmour said. "Strip centers are trying to locate closer to where people are living. It's kind of where you get your neighborhood conveniences for the week. It's not where you go to buy a refrigerator."