"worries are swirling over social media that the closures are a sign that the plaza may soon redevelop into [...] housing."

What a horrible statement about the priorities of some Mountain View residents that, during a catastrophic housing crisis, redeveloping a big box retail site into homes for people is a "worr[ying]" thought.

Is MTV taxation and regulation, compared to SV contributing factors?

Nite that the Banfield Veterinary Clinic is also leaving the PetSmart in January (moving into strip mall by Costco). I would not be surprised if that decision was related to PetSmart looking to leave soon also.

Miss REI, its past Charleston location by the freeway was very convenient. It's new Sunnyvale location is far from any freeway and is across the street from Dick's Sporting Goods, another fine sporting store, but they are going to cannibalize each other's business.

With Best Buy on Charleston gone, I hope more people will visit Video Only that is across the street from that Charleston plaza. Video Only has equally great deal on TVs and expert knowledge. Web Link

There is so very few retail stores able to keep up that much square footage. Link to a list of retail stores by square footage: Web Link

"...worries are swirling over social media that the closures are a sign that the plaza may soon redevelop into offices or even housing. But city officials say the property is expected to remain a shopping center, and that the property owner is already on the hunt for new tenants.."

It's about time this was cleared up. Every employee that I spoke with at the remaining stores said that housing was the reason for the store closures. And yes MV needs more housing, MV also needs commerce, retail stores, places for those of us who live here to shop. Besides, would rather have larger stores right next to the freeway than some kid's bedroom window; imagine breathing in all that clean auto exhaust. And housing on that street would be catastrophic for traffic.

Thank you very much. I enjoyed how this article presented information from multiple store's perspectives. Well done.

"The existing zoning ... allows for ... research and development uses"

>>Tell me Google is moving in without telling me Google is moving in.

How about Amazon uses the big box buildings for a warehouse and a Drone distribution hub.....

Comparing Dick’s Sporting Goods with REI like comparing Macy’s to Nordstrom. REI is very expensive, different demographic.

Being in Los Altos I'm impacted most by the loss of the PetsHotel in PetSmart. They shut that down already more than a month ago I think.

We are severely underserved in the Bay area with kennels. I know, first world problem. The new PetSmart with PetsHotel is all the way down in Almaden part of San Jose. Not close at all to the old location.

Highest and best use folks! Since in store retail has been down, stores did likely not want to pay increased rent landlord sought. So leases run out and stores close or move. Land may get sold, who knows. Our old mechanics shop sold several years ago, but the building is still vacant. If you want to keep local, in store options, you need to shop local and in-store.