Property Decommissioning: Managing Closures + Maintaining Dark Stores

When a retail store shuts down, the work isn’t over. Effective property management is crucial to preserving its value and preparing it for future use or sale. And property services for dark stores are more essential now than ever: After a sharp increase in store closures in 2024 (7,325 closures, the highest since closures reached 10,000 in 2020), Coresight Research anticipates even more closures this year, climbing to around 15,000.

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The key property services involved in store closures include securing the building and handling decommissioning, as well as, ongoing maintenance of dark stores. Whether a store is being repurposed, sold or held for future reactivation, strategic property management can make all the difference.

Initial inspection

Timing: Once the property owner confirms the store has been closed

What’s involved: The purpose of the initial inspection is to confirm the property is secure to help ensure it will remain functional and in good condition. This initial inspection typically focuses on:

• Parking lots. Checking for trash/debris, ensuring pathways are clear of snow, checking signage to see if attention is needed and inspecting pavement/concrete.
• This includes inspecting grass, trees and shrubs as well as irrigation and drainage.
• Door locks and windows are checked for any signs of forced or attempted entry. Lighting is also inspected, along with walls for graffiti.
• Looking for pooling of water on a flat roof as well as sumps, drains and gutters.
• Signs of squatters. Both interiors and exteriors must be checked for signs of squatters taking up residence inside or setting up encampments in areas like dock bays, which typically still have electricity and water. Your property services partner can work with you to determine the timing for removing items and with local law enforcement as needed, while documenting all actions taken.
• Maintenance: Follow-up maintenance may be required immediately based on the findings of the initial inspection, such as replacing a leaking water heater or correcting a security breach. Basic landscaping may be done at this time as well, including a quick mow-and-blow and trash pickup to keep the property in good aesthetic condition and ensure compliance with local municipal codes.

Decommissioning services

Timing: Following the initial inspection

What’s involved: Your property services partner can provide decommissioning services, including sign and interior shelving removal as well as shipping fixtures to different locations as needed.

Dark store program

Timing: Once decommissioning is complete

What’s involved: Inspections often continue once a store has been decommissioned, occurring monthly and/or quarterly. Their frequency may be based on the store’s location and whether it’s in an area where vandalism is prevalent.

• Monthly inspections. Monthly inspections typically focus on the same areas as the initial inspection, confirming that everything is still in good condition and functional. Thermostats are also checked based on the season: If the proper temperature isn’t maintained, mold can become an issue in the summer, whereas pipes may freeze and burst in the winter. These inspections can be extremely important for areas known to have squatters or vandals as unwanted intruders can cause considerable damage to a property in a very short period of time.

• Quarterly inspections. Over the longer term, additional checks and services may be added to maintain a dark property, including adding air fresheners, interior cleaning, plumbing and electrical outlet checks, inspecting for mold and pest control as needed. HVAC and fire-system checks may also be performed along with an equipment inventory.

Working with a property services partner to help decommission your shuttered locations and safeguard your dark stores not only protects your investment until you’re ready for your next move; it also ensures your properties remain up to code with local municipalities (and helps you avoid related fines).

Need Help with a Dark Store? Look No Further

Looking for a property services partner to help with decommissioning your stores or other facilities management needs? Chain Store Maintenance - an MCS Company can help.

Contact us today to learn more.