I think the synthesis is the hope that the market replacements for these stores is less terrible. The big displacer in the last few years has really been Amazon

I think the synthesis is the hope that the market replacements for these stores is less terrible. The big displacer in the last few years has really been Amazon, who I think offers a better shopping experience than most overpriced specialty stores. Many of these stores only held firm in the market due to having an information advantage over the consumers, as well as the convenience of providing items that are similar in kind (ie toys at toys r us). The effects of a post online shopping and price comparison world are still being shaked out.