> When big box stores fail they often sit empty for years causing blight in the area

Are you accounting for general economic climate? Toys 'R' Us locations appear to be getting purchased [1][2]

[1] https://www.bizjournals.com/bizwomen/news/latest-news/2018/0...

[2] https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/toys-r-us-ends-canadian-stor...

I'd wager that has more to do with bankruptcy than with the markets inability to repurpose those assets. Additionally, if the reason they failed is because of a drop in foot traffic in the area, then it makes sense they aren't easily repurposed.

Regardless, the capital that would otherwise be invested in this poorly performing enterprise is now invested somewhere else, so everyone is better off.

luckly in europe most store's will directly go to the irish "smyths toys"