While the closure of beloved national and international retail store chains could leave millions of s/f of the mid-Atlantic region’s commercial real estate vacant, forward-thinking companies likely already have started scouting these locations to see what kind of future business opportunities may be available at these sites. This year alone, Toys R Us has announced it will close its entire fleet of stores and companies like the Ascena Retail Group – the parent company of Ann Taylor, Loft, Dress Barn, Lane Bryant and Justice – have announced widespread store closures. This comes on the heels of major retailers like Sears, and Kmart continuing to announce rampant store closures. Because most of them are in high-traffic, high-density areas that often already have built-out infrastructure of roads, water, sewer and other necessary attributes. That presents a strong opportunity for those looking for turn-key ready buildings or available (and under market value) real estate in highly visible areas.