Crazy 8 closing at the Sandusky Mall

PERKINS TWP. — Crazy 8 in the Sandusky Mall is set to close as its parent company plans to shutter all of its locations.The parent company for Crazy 8, a children's clothing store in the mall across from Hallmark, filed for bankruptcy last week, according to a Chain Store Age article."It's a shame, but they've been hinting that they'd file bankruptcy for some time," said Joe Bell, spokesman for the mall owners Cafaro Co. "We know they're determined to close all their stores."The Gymboree Group announced they're closing all Crazy 8 and Gymboree store locations as it tries to sell its higher-end Janie and Jack line. Bell said its unknown when the Sandusky location will shutter.The liquidation process has already begun and is being handled by asset disposition firms who are aggressively looking to get rid of the stores' products, Chain Store Age reported. Sales have already begun at locations and gift cards can be redeemed until Feb. 16.The past few months have seen a series of closures in the mall with Andrews Jewelers and Ostermans Jewelers both announcing they'd be shutting their doors. Andrews Jewelers went bankrupt, but Ostermans closure was decided by its parent company's decision to pare down on smaller name brands.There's also a question about the future of Kitchen Collection as it runs a liquidation sale, and Yankee Candle as it engages in lease negotiations. Bell said it's not uncommon for there to be a spurt of store closings after the holiday season."It's a part of the usual retail cycle and you will find it happens right after the start of the New Year when companies reassess," Bell said. "Stressed retailers sometimes decide to wind down operations or close completely."Speculation indicates Yankee Candle, across from Zales and next to the former Elder-Beerman, could close. A store employee told the Sandusky Register the candle retailer would shut its doors, but the employee didn't know an exact date.The mall's owners disputed the store's closure is definite but confirmed a closure could be possible if a new lease isn't established."They indicated they may want to leave at some point based on their sales, but we don't have a definite date on that," Bell told the Register. "There still may be more discussions between the store and our leasing agent."Yankee Candle opened in the Sandusky Mall in 2015. The chain is owned by New Jersey-based Newell Brands.Newell owns multiple brand-name consumer and commercial products, including Rubbermaid, Coleman and Sharpie. A spokeswoman for Newell Brands didn't return multiple calls or emails seeking comment.Despite these closures, Bell said Cafaro Co. remains committed to the area and the mall's development. A tentative plan on the company's website showed potential renovations to the mall to attract retailers.Cafaro Co. is actively looking for companies to fill the long-empty locations — such as Macy's, Sears and Elder-Beerman — as well as the newer closures."Our people are always talking to new potential tenants," Bell said. "At any given time, you will find that there are negotiations going on to fill empty spaces or bring new and exciting retailers into the area."Bell said Cafaro Co. remains committed to developing the complex. A series of tentative plans on the company's website illustrates a potential reconfiguring of the mall. The Sandusky Mall in Perkins Township.