5 retailers, businesses likely to take over empty Toys ‘R’ Us stores

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1. Hobby Lobby

2. Burlington Stores 

The store is looing at expansion after changing its business model. In 2014, 2015 and 2016, the company opened 24, 28 and 30 stores. In fiscal 2017, the company announced plans to open 37 new stores.

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3. Entertainment companies

Trampoline parks and other entertainment concepts are filling vacant tenant spaces as traditional brick-and-mortar retailers struggle to find a way to fight online shopping trends. These types of entertainment businesses are popping up as malls and shopping centers fight to stay relevant. Why? Consumers want an active experience when they go to retail mixed-use concepts now. Malls will have to get creative and many may not have much time, retail experts say.

4. Discount stores

Andrew Feinblatt of Cincinnati-based OnSite Retail Group, said he doesn’t think it’s a hopeless situation for local shopping centers. Retailers, especially discount ones like At Home and T.J.Maxx, are still expanding in large spaces. Malls are “being proactive,” trying to bring in more food, drink and entertainment options at their centers, he said.

5. Grocers, fitness centers 

Flynn also said “traditional grocers, the larger fitness players—those really are the stores that continue to want to expand in that category.”

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