The collapse of electronics retailer Circuit City could drive down shopping and strip mall rents, and deal another blow to commercial mortgage-backed securities' investors who have already seen their bond prices slide.

After a dismal holiday shopping season and several failed attempts to sell itself, Circuit City -- having filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November -- last week said it would close all its 567 U.S. stores and liquidate its assets.

The move left 30,000 employees of the Woodland Hills, California-based company without work, and creditors - including landlords - lining up to get whatever they can after the company sells its inventory.

'Now those landlords are in line like the rest of their creditors -- and probably in the back of the line to get paid,' said Suzanne Mulvee, Property & Portfolio Research real estate strategist.

washingtonpost.com