One Kind of Store Is Beating the Retail Apocalypse

  • Sector outperforming online retailers since Toys ‘R’ Us closed
  • Specialty chains have a strong presence in mid-cap ETFs
Photographer: Sarah Blesener/Bloomberg
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It’s the age-old story of the retail business: When one door closes, another opens.

For years, experts have predicted a so-called retail apocalypse as well known chains like Sports Authority Inc. and Payless Shoesource Inc. went bankrupt. The most recent high-profile victim was Toys “R” Us Inc., which liquidated in the middle of March after a failed rescue attempt.