(Photo : Unsplash/MatthewCabret )
The well-known outdoor clothing store, The North Face, is about to leave its hometown of San Francisco, California, where it first opened almost 60 years ago.
Founded in the 1960s, The North Face has been a fixture in San Francisco for decades. However, the company has announced that its last store in the city will close its doors for good later this month.
The North Face Bids Farewell to Union Square Amid Retailer Exodus
The North Face store in Union Square is preparing to close its doors, joining a growing list of retailers leaving the area, including Macy's.
A spokesperson for The North Face confirmed to SF Gate this Thursday that the store is scheduled to close on March 31. "The North Face was born in San Francisco, and we have cherished our time here, building roots and creating lasting memories," the representative stated.
With the upcoming closure just three weeks away, The North Face will have only a few stores across the Bay Area.
In a statement to KRON4, the company expressed its dedication to providing quality gear and encouraging exploration among community members. "The North Face was born in San Francisco, and we have cherished the time spent here, building roots and creating lasting memories," the statement read.
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End of An Era: The North Face Closes SF Store
(Photo : Unsplash/JanKopřiva)
Established in 1966, The North Face's store on Post Street is its sole location in the city. This closure is part of a broader trend following Macy's announcement last week that it will shut its iconic Union Square store. These closures contribute to the increasing number of retailers departing from downtown San Francisco, particularly around the SF Centre Mall.
Founders Douglas and Susie Tompkins, a husband and wife team, opened their first store selling camping and climbing gear, guided by the philosophy "Never Stop Exploring." The launch was celebrated with performances by the Grateful Dead and Joan Baez, turning the store into a central spot for outdoor enthusiasts in the Bay Area.
The Tompkins also established the iconic San Francisco clothing line Esprit.
As The North Face expanded, Douglas and Susie Tompkins sold their shares. In 2000, VF Corporation, a retail giant owning brands like Timberland and Dickies, acquired The North Face. Citing cost reasons, VF Corporation moved its headquarters from the Bay Area to Denver in 2018.
Despite the San Francisco store's closure, The North Face will maintain a presence in the Bay Area, with locations in Santa Clara, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, and Palo Alto. "The North Face was born in San Francisco, and we have cherished the time spent here, building roots and creating lasting memories," said a company spokesperson.
After the latest store closure announcement, San Francisco residents shared their disappointment and concerns on Facebook, discussing the significant number of retail stores shutting down in the city.
One resident humorously asked for a list of the open stores, suggesting it would be short and simple. Another commented on the city's rapid decline, saying, "San Francisco is sinking fast," while someone else noted the ongoing "SF exodus."
Additionally, a resident lamented the series of closures, describing them as a "slow and agonizing death to [what was] once the heart of San Francisco," highlighting the emotional impact of the changes on the community.
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