Democratic San Francisco Board of Supervisors Chairman Aaron Peskin released a statement Tuesday announcing Macy’s plans. Union Square store closed.
Peskin said he was “shocked” to learn that Macy’s would close 150 stores across the United States, including its flagship store in San Francisco.
“Macy’s was one of the last companies to resist the national trend of retail closures and consolidation, but as with any apparent blow to downtown recovery, I see a potential opportunity. ,” Peskin said. “This site has been a development opportunity since pre-pandemic, with the potential for mixed-use, including dining and housing on the upper floors.”
He noted that Macy’s plans to keep its stores open through the end of the year.
Peskin aims to revitalize the Union Square area by “aggressively marketing development incentives and opportunities,” building new soundstages and “streamlining permits and fees” for hosting events. .
Peskin added: “Every challenge can have a flip side if there is the right political will. So let’s start tackling it.”
Peskin said Macy’s decision to close its San Francisco store was based on its goal of “investing in a smaller model.” However, multiple employees said: san francisco standard Macy’s decision to close its 77-year-old Union Square store likely stemmed from the area’s widespread shoplifting problem.
Employee Steve Dalisay told the news outlet the thefts “happen every day.”
“I think all we need is leadership,” Dalisay continued. “It is enough for the mayor to say we will not tolerate this in our city.”
“This is theft because people aren’t coming in,” said another employee, who requested anonymity to the San Francisco Standard.
“Basically, the same thing that happened to Nordstrom is happening to us,” the worker added.
Nordstrom announced in May that it would close two stores in San Francisco, including its anchor store in Westfield Mall, Blaze News previously reported. “The dynamics of San Francisco’s downtown market have changed dramatically in recent years, impacting foot traffic to our stores and our ability to operate normally,” said Jamie Nordstrom, the company’s chief store officer. I’m giving,” he explained.
Another Macy’s employee told the San Francisco Standard that shoplifters are often groups of teenagers or drug users.
“I am not responsible for estimating daily losses, but I was told last year’s losses were in the millions,” he claimed.
“That’s a big deal,” the worker continued. “What we’ve learned is that a lot of drug users do business with fencers. They give drug users a list of products in the store and they try to run through that list.”
Another employee told the news outlet that a rampant shoplifting problem was “a contributing factor” to the store’s closure.
One employee claimed that at least 20 thefts occur every day.
Jim Araby, vice president of the International Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 5, which represents the store’s employees, maintained that shoplifting was not a major factor in Macy’s decision.
“We believe this has more to do with Macy’s restructuring its business base under a new CEO and pressure from outside investors seeking to create conditions for a hostile takeover of the board,” Araby said. he told the press.
When asked for comment, Macy’s told the San Francisco Standard that it was closing 150 stores after “rigorously evaluating all Macy’s stores and considering each market to determine the appropriate mix of stores going forward.” He said he had decided.
recently statementMacy’s CEO Tony Springs said, “This bold new chapter serves as a powerful call to action. We challenge the status quo to create a more modern Macy’s company. We are taking the necessary steps to revitalize it.” Through an improved shopping experience, relevant selection and attractive value. ”
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