Permalink

Bloomingdale’s closing San Francisco store this Spring

News January 2025 WWD

What: Bloomingdale's announces the closure of its flagship store in San Francisco's Union Square area by late spring 2025, joining a wave of retailers exiting the city amid challenges with crime and declining foot traffic.

Why it is important: This closure, following exits by major retailers like Nordstrom and Whole Foods, highlights the broader challenges facing urban retail centers as they grapple with changing consumer behaviours, safety concerns, and the evolution of traditional shopping districts.

The five-floor San Francisco store, which opened in September 2006 as the chain's second-largest location after the Manhattan flagship, will cease operations in late spring 2025. This closure follows departures by numerous retailers including Nordstrom, The North Face, Anthropologie, and Old Navy from the city. The store's location in the Westfield San Francisco Centre, which faced its own challenges when the site was turned over to lenders in 2023, further complicated the situation. While some retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue have adapted through appointment-only shopping formats, others have completely withdrawn from the market. Bloomingdale's directs customers to its online platform and nearby locations in Stanford and Valley Fair, both within 50 miles of San Francisco, while maintaining operations across its network of 32 department stores, 21 outlets, and four Bloomie's locations. 

IADS Notes: Bloomingdale's San Francisco closure reflects broader challenges in urban retail. Following similar exits by other retailers and amid ongoing market consolidation, this decision aligns with Macy's Inc.'s broader transformation strategy. While Saks Fifth Avenue maintains presence through appointment-only shopping, the trend signals significant shifts in luxury retail dynamics in major urban centers.

Newsletter
IADS user
Forgot password?

New user? Activate your IADS account