It could be a big box future, not a fashion.
Two former Sears stores in Texas are being redeveloped with an entertainment retail concept. This is the latest example of a mall that is leaning towards an experience-driven concept to fill shutter-type big-box retailers.
In North Texas, Mesquite City Council has approved plans for the 58,000-square-foot Main Event Entertainment Center at Town East Mall, the Dallas Business Journal reported.
The location closed in 2021 was Sears’ last active in the area. Main events include bowling, escape rooms, arcade games and restaurants. It is expected to create approximately 200 jobs. At the 1.2 million square foot mall, you will be joining Anchor Macy’s, Dillard and Dick’s sports goods and jcpenney.
Councillor Jeff Casper said the redevelopment was a “passion project” and called the space “the most important property in Mesquite.”
The main event is owned by Dallas-based Dave & Buster’s, which operates more than 20 locations across Texas, and has multiple venues in the DFW area.
In southeastern Texas, a concept called Score Entertainment is preparing to open in the 150,000-square-foot former Sears space at the humble Deerbrook Mall, reported the Houston Business Journal.
According to the state project submission, the renovations will begin on June 1st and will be wrapped within a year. The venue will offer go-karting, laser tags, bowling, mini golf, VR attractions, x-throwing and multiple bars. The design work is led by Houston-based Albany Studios.
The group has not checked ownership details or has not responded to inquiries.
The project follows a similar redevelopment in Houston, when Midtown’s Aeontech Hub transformed its historic Sears site and the upcoming Round 1 arcade at Willowbrook Mall.
Sears’ parent company emerged from bankruptcy, with only 22 stores in 2022. As of March, only eight large retailers in the country remained, CBS News reported.
Biglot filed for bankruptcy protection in September. Party City continued with plans to remove operations in December and clear all stores. Forever 21 filed for bankruptcy in March.
Landowners are increasingly turning their eyes to the use of entertainment, healthcare and logistics, revitalizing the massive vacant retail footprint left by Sears and other department stores exits.
– Judas Duke
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