Silence at Old Smithtown Hardware Spot [Empty in Smithtown]

Nearly a year ago, in the far newer and more vibrant Village Commons Shopping Center.

At the time, owner Michael Costello, who rebranded his shop Costello’s Ace Hardware, told Patch it was about space and exposure.

"Where we are right now, it’s a little bit hidden from traffic. The new place is in a nice shopping center with a lot of exposure,” he said in a January 2011 interview.

But that hidden spot hasn't found any new luck since he left, having been listed for rent now nearly a year.

That's left the Mandee clothing shop the only tenant in the building, though according to recent reports the future for the discount fashion retailer could be in peril. Bloomberg news reported in January that Mandee parent Big M may seek bankruptcy protection, which could result in store closings.

Though the company hasn't confirmed reports, or signaled which stores could close, there's no arguing that a Smithtown exit for Mandee would leave a another big hole on Main street, especially with the former hardware store still empty.

There's been a few movements on Main Street recently. for next to the Smithtown Center for Performing Arts and . But plenty of vacancies remain unfilled.

What do you think would be a good fit for the former hardware store, or the entire shopping center if Mandee leaves town?