Home » City Guide » , ,

SF’s Iconic Union Square Macy’s to Close

Macy’s massive, 400,000-square-foot Union Square store announced its closure, but no timeline has been set
By - posted 2/27/2024 No Comment

In another big blow to San Francisco’s beleaguered downtown, Macy’s has announced the impending closure of its massive 400,000 square foot Union Square flagship store, which spans nearly an entire city block, as part of the company’s plan to shutter more than 150 locations nationwide.

Despite this, the timeline for the closure remains uncertain (nothing is likely to change right away), leaving the city in a state of limbo and suspense.

San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin revealed that Macy’s will keep its Union Square store open for the time being until a suitable buyer is found for the property – possibly through the holiday season of 2024. Mayor London Breed emphasized that the process of selling the building to a new owner with a fresh vision for the site will take time, ensuring that Macy’s will continue to operate for the foreseeable future.

According to Macy’s, the decision to close stores is driven by sluggish sales and an effort to fend off a pending takeover bid. The closure plan involves shutting down 150 “underproductive” stores across the country by 2026, with 50 of them closing by the end of 2024.

Union Square Alliance CEO Marisa Rodriguez:

“Macy’s at Union Square is not closing their store until a buyer can be found for their building. Macy’s will remain open and could still be open for years to come. In all likelihood, there will be a Holiday shopping season and Macy’s great tree in 2024. Having said that, the situation is fluid and there is no getting around the fact that this announcement hurts. Read more at ABC7

San Francisco Mayor London Breed

“Macy’s has decided to close 150 stores nationwide over the next few years, and sell property, including closing 50 stores this year.  While San Francisco’s Macy’s is not part of this first wave of 50 closures, I’ve been informed that Macy’s is looking to sell their Union Square property. The process to undergo the sale of their building to a new owner with their own vision for this site will take time, and Macy’s will stay open for the foreseeable future and people will remain employed at the store.  Macy’s has expressed to me their commitment to remaining a part of Union Square and our City while they undergo this transition. 

The closure of Macy’s Union Square store represents a broader trend of prominent retailers leaving San Francisco’s downtown core. The city has witnessed the departure of several major stores, including Nordstrom, Saks Off Fifth, Old Navy, Adidas, and Anthropologie, contributing to the struggles faced by the commercial sector, exacerbated by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

If the Macy’s closure goes forward, it would mark one of the most significant retail closures in the city’s history.

But it’s not all bad news for Union Square. On March 9, it’s “Flower Bulb Day” with 80,000 free pick-your-own tulips.  Plus Powell Street from Market to Geary is going through a new design process – give your feedback and you can wina  $200 gift card to a Union Square restaurant

Read More: San Francisco Business Journal, San Francisco Chronicle, ABC7