B'game has avoided the retail doom loop for the most part. There are always vacancies on the Avenew and on B'way, but they haven't dulled the sense of vibrancy on the streets-yet. Now one of the largest spaces on the Ave is going dark as Pottery Barn has announced it will close in January. The Chron did a piece on the closure and how our store was more than just the average PB:
Malin Kansal, a San Francisco-based real estate agent who worked in Pottery Barn’s corporate office in San Francisco between 2008 and 2012, said that the current “state of affairs” in regard to the retail climate likely contributed to the decision to shutter the Burlingame location. “As we stand here post-COVID-19, the retail climate is changing so much,” said Kansal. “People love shopping online.”
Kansal said that the Pottery Barn in Burlingame functioned as the “model store” for the larger brand: “They used the store to display and take photographs of the items before the start of the season.”
This will be a test of how strong the Avenew is going forward. If it needs to be broken in half a la Anthropologie to rent that will be telling. The new vet at that location, Dr. Treats, is now scheduled to open in January. Say goodbye to Pottery Barn.
This store was a main reason why I would go to Burlingame Ave.
Was always popping in to see the latest displays and merchandise and for the most part looking for markdowns and deals which I would always find after continued persistence. This store brought me there and it was a positive treat just to look which afterwards I would venture into the smaller shops and bakeries.
This will be a huge loss but like everything else change is constant be it good or bad. Been here long enough to remember the closing of the Fox Theater, Woolworths, The Feed House, Levy Bros, Montgomery Wards where my mom bought our school shoes (yes, there was a Monkey Wards on the Avenue). etc. etc.
Posted by: Joanne | December 22, 2023 at 09:09 AM
Whoa! Banana Republic snuck out overnight! Windows blocked, signage stripped, lights out.
Kate Spade then Pottery Barn now BR.
At least we’ve got that mattress store in the old Robert Gates clothing store.
Posted by: Spurrina | January 27, 2024 at 06:06 PM
It looks like a rent reset is coming to the avenue. The "5 K's" can afford to hold out, but for how long? A year, maybe two or three before the pain gets annoying. None of the 5 care about a few years of vacancy since they are working off 1960's 1970's costs. But the little guys in between need the traffic.
There's likely going to be a lot of nice empty Class A space on the bayfront.
Posted by: Phinancier | January 27, 2024 at 11:03 PM