These 6 Stores Are 'Disappearing' From Malls

A recent report by MLV & Co looked at tenant presence in shopping malls. Analysts ranked the top companies growing their mall presence based on a Tenant Sentiment Index (TSI).

The companies were rated on a scale of 1-10 based on their demand for space in shopping malls. Here are some of the lowest-rated companies, whose presence in shopping malls is diminishing.

Related Link: MLV & Co Reports On Mall Retailer Trends

Wet Seal Inc WTSL

Not surprisingly, Wet Seal received the lowest TSI rating possible, a 1. The company recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

American Eagle Outfitters AEO

American Eagle’s TSI rating of 3 indicates a focused, strategic store contraction program. Despite plans to open as many as 25 new international outlet stores in 2015, the company will be closing around 150 existing stores over the next three years.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. ANF

Abercrombie earned a TSI rating of 3. The company closed around 60 stores in 2014 and expects a similar number of closures in each of the next few years.

Aeropostale Inc ARO

Aeropostale drew a TSI rating of 3. The company closed about 120 stores in the U.S. and Canada in 2014 and could potentially close up to 75 additional stores in 2015.

Related Link: Wunderlich Tells Investors To Avoid Aeropostale

Guess?, Inc. GES

Guess earned a TSI rating of 3. The company closed four stores and opened eight new ones during 4Q14, but the plan moving forward is to close 50 additional stores by mid-2016.

Sears Holdings Corp SHLD

Sears received a TSI rating of 3. The company is currently exploring the transfer of many of its properties into a real estate investment trust (REIT). Sears closed about 235 stores in 2014.