Now that Bon Ton and Toys R Us have been added to a lengthening list of retail bankruptcies and store closings,

one might conclude retail as we know it is nearing its demise. However, industry experts Sean Sharko and Austin Weisenbeck of Taylor Johnson client Marcus & Millichapare expecting a wait-and-see period instead of a flameout. We recently connected Sharko and Weisenbeck with a GlobeSt.com reporter for a story looking at the retail market in Chicago, where new construction is on the decline, but absorption is healthy. The investment specialists also discussed how new retail concepts, along with medical users, are likely to fill vacancies in area shopping centers.

Sean Sharko and Austin Weisenbeck are senior vice presidents at Marcus & Millichap specializing in retail.