It’s Nearly Impossible to Revive Dead Retailers, but Investors Are Trying

It’s a zombie retail apocalypse

The latest retailer to potentially come back from the dead is Toys R Us, the 60-plus-year-old toy store that ceased operations in 2018.

In the bloodbath that has been brick-and-mortar retail in the ecommerce age—some even call it a retailpocalypse—many long-standing retailers in American malls and shopping centers found themselves flailing against an invisible foe.

Some, like clothing stores Charlotte Russe, The Limited, Nine West and Wet Seal, along with gadget store Brookstone, went belly up, only to be sold for parts to vultures that were typically—although not exclusively—investment firms.

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Subscribe today!

To Read the Full Story Become an Adweek+ Subscriber

View Subscription Options

Already a member? Sign in