The closure of a Fordham Sears for renovations has competitors and shoppers alike hoping for a speedy re-grand opening.

Merchants near the Fordham Road retailer say they see Sears as a major draw for foot traffic rather than a rival. Storeowners say that foot traffic causes business to trickle down to them. Even a hot dog vendor who has operated outside the store for eight years hopes it will soon be back in business.

However, Sears says the store will close in February for 18 months. The department store says the upgrades will help it better serve customers. Consumers can currently cash in on big savings in the everything-must-go sale.