Hylan Plaza Toys R Us Prepares to Close in January

The Hylan Plaza Toys R Us and UA theaters are closing their doors. As NY1's Thabie Sibanda explains...it's all to make way for a new multi-million dollar shopping center that's in the works.

Shoppers are flocking to the Hylan Plaza Toys R Us-Babies R Us store, taking advantage of the sales as the store prepares to close its doors for good at the end of January.

"I'm here because I heard they're closing so everything's on sale so I just had a son a month ago and so I figured I'd stock up on what I can," said Kelly Higgins.

Many stores have either closed or are in the process of closing as developer Kimco Realty gets ready to start construction on a new 150-million dollar shopping plaza. The plans include building a two story plaza which will include new stores, restaurants, a movie theater and a health club.

"I look forward to the upcoming plaza. From what I hear it's going to be good things and anytime we have more options it makes it great," said Ander Ramos.

"It's supposed to be a little but more upscale. It's supposed to be two stories and that they were going to have nicer restaurants so like I said it would be nice to know what they're doing. We haven't had much information since then," said Judith Becker.

 But not everyone is excited. Some have mixed feelings.

"Happy and upset because I've been here since I was little and I live like 10 minutes [away] so it's convenient to get here rather than the mall or the other side of the island. But it's exciting to see what they'll do with this," said Higgins.

Although many of the stores will close, some like GameStop will relocate.

"From what I understand we're going to be moving to another part of Hylan Plaza. I don't really have any other details besides that. But that's kind of what we've heard through the grapevine," said shift leader Piero Ochoa.

A Toys R Us spokesperson said they have enjoyed serving the Staten Island community for many years and will continue to operate a number of stores in the area. They are also opening a new store this fall at the new Empire Outlets.