Bay Area holiday shopping shows some malls empty and struggling, others packed and thriving

[@SCabanlitProductions]

ValleyFair is packed because their mall has good food, different variety(arcade, Eataly, etc), and their city actually does stuff about retail theft there...

[@TrinhNguyen-sh4fj]

Yup, and I was just at SunValley Mall the other day and it had a lot of people. I think it is because like you said, they had a good food court along with some great restaurants, a big arcade and other forms of entertainment not just shopping only. Plus, they have a gym and a Safeway very close by too. Location, variety, entertainment, etc.. are what malls need to survive. Having good security is extremely important too.

[@bearmerica6668]

Palo Alto Shopping Center is packed too because certain group rarely go down that far.

[@rpenguin12345]

@@SCabanlitProductions can’t forget about Santana row too

[@nickphang2293]

They stop Tyroneses?

[@sydneys2555]

And Freaking Santan Row!! Takes 30 mins for me to get home! Ughhh.. Can’t wait for the Holidays to be over

[@anthonygermano9363]

No Problems at Serramonte and Colma Centers. Lots of FREE PARKING and No ZOMBIES to Worry About.

[@nickphang2293]

No tyroneses?

[@Snowboy2015]

*Serra-manilla!

[@didymosprasinos]

We are more worried about monkeys to be honest.

[@flea7510]

My Aunt, who's no longer with us, it was our tradition to meet every Black Friday at the San Francisco Center to shop, shop, shop. This had to have been almost 30+yrs ago. Such a wonderful memory. It would be packed, the stores; the streets. The Bay Area isn't the same as it was back then. I hope so much more comes back.

[@TrinhNguyen-sh4fj]

I hope so too as nothing beats in person shopping and socializing.

[@LeeElvesenioSecapure]

Nothing can take the place of in-store shopping (if you can stand slobs). You eliminate the shipping, packaging fees, and make Christmas the worse season of the year for parcel pirates. Just don't wear new clothes with crease marks at parties.

[@lt5466]

hopefully with a new mayor, the city will go back to the way it was

[@andyatmosphere]

Over taxation and a wasteful government will cause major economic losses

[@ericiancarr]

Overly taxing parking, removing driving lanes and parking spots, adding traffic cameras and ignoring junkies all have consequences on SF sales tax revenue.

[@MrRicklynch57]

A Crate & Barrel worker in Palo Alto told me the San Francisco store failed once “order online and pickup in store” became a popular option for shoppers. As well as people not liking what they purchased online and returning it. People enjoyed shopping the large Downtown stores, because they had more variety. Today the flagship is their phone and paying $40 to park or taking public transit is not as attractive as driving to San Mateo or Santa Clara County where there is free parking.

[@UncleDavesKitchen]

I shop all year round for the Holidays. So sorry to see the malls closing, it was so much fun to go to the malls when I was younger.

[@NudaMan]

Unfortunately I don’t need to or want to leave the house anymore, so I bought everything online lol

[@MiMiiViVi]

I haven't shopped in a mall in years. Not interested in brand names, roaming big boxy stores with high prices. I only buy essentials on sale and cut out gift giving, unless they are kids.

[@tinalaplaca6638]

the kids and l were low key yesterday. we went to Target and they picked out all their treats for Christmas. l think we all have more than enough and we make do with what we have. Merry Christmas 2024

[@ge2623]

I feel so bad for retailers. Maybe they should start Christmas advertising in July or August.

[@kelvinwilson92]

It’s the sign of the past times everybody shops online these days so it’s sad

[@TrinhNguyen-sh4fj]

I do both as there are pros and cons to both.

[@rivaladversary]

Actually, it’s because wealthier people refuse to go to downtown SF because of how unsafe it is. That’s why if you went south, every mall is packed.

[@SonyEnthusiast]

NOPE SERRAMONTE AND STONESTOWN ARE PACKED!!!!

[@justinyang6627]

My brain rotted a little when the reporter said “ain’t sweating it”😂

[@flowersforme375]

I didn’t worry about buying anyone anything.

[@robyngillum8577]

The Solano mall is scarcely empty. It’s a shame that they even call it a mall now. It’s more like a flea market.

[@dungeonmaster16]

if not even pop up shops are using the center mall even for just 2-3 months then thats sign of rent is too damn high so its not worth using it for that short time.

[@copyprint-fz2hb]

i think it depends on the diversity of the the mall , stay safe stay away !

[@InsiderTimes-d6q]

Low birth rates, less families. Young and old Single childless males are financially exploited to support: single mothers through taxation, the public school system, etc. So single males are shopping less, and trying to save more money. But the government is trying it’s hardest to try and devalue the money they(single makes) have saved up, by increasing taxes(or creating new ones) to support struggling families/military/greedy politicians who don’t know how to manage money. Everyone who is in the middle is supporting the wealthy and the poor. The wealthy and the poor both benefit from the people near the middle, and within the middle, the most oppressed group are single childless hard working makes.

[@VoteForBukele]

Maybe in your weirdo world.

[@lisalee3067]

Absolute 💩!

[@Scorpio1060-]

Stop thinking so much and try to enjoy the little time you’re given to roam the planet, maybe a hobby will help.

[@SonyEnthusiast]

NOPE SERRAMONTE AND STONESTOWN ARE PACKED!!!

[@baldeagle4710]

Well the Westfield SF mall is struggling because there are no stores left

[@BornotB-ij9xk]

They should’ve checked out Stonestown and Serramonte. Stonestown is constantly PACKED with shoppers and high school students all over SF on the weekdays. Serramonte on the other hand is full with families walking around and shopping

[@SonyEnthusiast]

True. PACKED

[@nell866]

Daly City and Colma got the best shopping experiences

[@SonyEnthusiast]

Yup and Stonestown. PACKED

[@Snowboy2015]

bang out those little midget filipinas, brotha man

[@sunflower_fieldgirl]

Serramonte is packed i cant even find parking. Stonestowm is packed as well.

[@haganchan6650]

The malls in San Francisco are struggling because the COVID19 pandemic, crime is outta control, the homeless problem and the property taxes to run an business is going up in California not just in San Francisco.

[@jesuscardenas9265]

Y’all news stations been telling us locals that last couple of years that Westfield is closed. That’s why it’s dead.

[@fluxfaze]

I miss absolutely nothing about shopping at brick-and-mortar businesses. Online shopping is the best-best product selection, best product info, best product reviews, best basket management, best package management, best prices, best returns process-and all with zero traffic, zero parking lots, zero crowds, and zero lines.

[@cagayan3657]

Serramonte was absolutely packed yesterday. Takes you 15 minutes just to get into the parking lot. Then have to find parking unless you want to park on the 3rd floor of the garage.

[@SonyEnthusiast]

True

[@JPH0922]

I live in SF but did my shopping at Valley Fair and Vegas. Shopping in SF feels like a chore unfortunately.

[@SonyEnthusiast]

STONESTOWN IN SF IS PACKED

[@jasonc.8521]

Why would anyone want to shop at a mall where half or even more than half of the stores are closed/unoccupied?

[@SonyEnthusiast]

NOPE SERRAMONTE AND STONESTOWN ARE PACKED!!

[@lusther3385]

They might want to check how asian countries are doing it. Their Malls are booming and expanding.

[@copyprint-fz2hb]

they don't have our diversity 🐒

[@OldCanadianguy953]

Made in China CRAP. No thanks.

[@sonhuynh8222]

Because there’s no looters, customers are pleasant (no Karens) and a society where human decency is the norm. I just came back from Bangkok, omg I’ve never seen a mall that’s 7 floors yet PACKED!!!

[@copyprint-fz2hb]

@@sonhuynh8222 yes , they don't have that DEI diversity problem

[@Zambineaux305]

@@sonhuynh8222I laughed more than I should have at this 😂

[@mimzy4319]

Packed malls make me dizzy. I just cant do it. Have fun standing in line while wearing a stuffy, itchy xmas sweater

[@alvinwong9362]

Screw San Francisco and Oakland!!!!!!!

[@Snowboy2015]

i dont want to screw anything there. have you seen the way "women" look?

[@esorroge]

Why deal with the last minute crowds when you can order online~

[@rpenguin12345]

I bet everyone’s at great mall, cause who doesn’t want a indoor outlet

[@SonyEnthusiast]

Serramonte and Stonestown are PACKED

[@madisonruazol24]

People go to outlets or shop online nowadays.

[@gf-ek9ps]

Stanford shopping centre are packed. Hard to find parking.

[@judithwendt8018]

Keep shopping on line. 😢

[@chuckxu5910]

Only amigos shopping at Westfield mall in Fairfield 🛒

[@Snowboy2015]

where do gringos go? gay pride parades, trailer parks, and methadone clinics?

[@baoyou6125]

I went to the Westfield in San Jose today and last week. It’s crazy amount of people

[@h0ng_stuff]

Was at New Park Mall on Saturday. More people at Costco next door than the entire mall

[@stevegonzales527]

Ghetto malls are failing, while the other normal ones keeping up

[@shumingc]

When I lived in East Bay, I used to go often to both SF Westfield mall and Corte Madera mall. It’s sad to see what’s happening with San Francisco

[@SupraB007]

Was at Southland in Hayward and it was packed. Cinemark was nearly sold out most showings for Sonic 3, Macys, Hobby Lobby, H&M, Round 1 arcade and bowling alley doing well. Seafood City, Olive Garden all jam packed. Too bad the Xmas tree is no longer in front of Macys.

[@dianaAJC]

Well!… why the surprise???? Those are the fruits that have been planted. All those empty shopping malls, etc… are the reaping results of bad corrupted politics allowing lawlessness to prevail (such allowing robbers to get free permission to go anywhere they want to steal until $1000 what they should not do it. Because stealing, even small things, should be considered wrong, BECAUSE IT IS.) Empty malls are result of very high rent and keeping increasing rent and etc… and etc…

[@emillion4470]

All I want for Christmas is..... EGGS !?!!!

[@tommydong8070]

The problem with SF center is the crowd, traffic and parking when the mall was full of shops. The parking structure in the back is a bit sketchy in the evenings. I lived in SF from 1992 to 2003 and worked by 2nd and Bryant before moving out of the city in 2012.

[@Zelville]

30 years of malls....Online faster, safer, cheaper.

[@knightofwind2929]

Maybe it's the everything free Under $1000 grab and go

[@r.murillo9792]

No problems at Oakridge and Valley Fair in SJ--these places are always packed.

[@eddieg6436]

I wouldn’t go to San Francisco I’d you PAID ME. 🤷🏼‍♂️🤔👎🏻

[@SonyEnthusiast]

Where would you go?

[@eddieg6436]

@ I used to love visiting that once beautiful city, but crime, garbage, homeless encampments, CRIME, closed storefronts, etc keep me away now. Hopefully a new mayor will help turn things around!!! Where do I go now? Carmel, Carmel valley, Monterey, and Pacific Grove…..beautiful.

[@SonyEnthusiast]

@eddieg6436 not every part of SF is homelessness, etc.. When's the last time you visited?

[@eddieg6436]

@ …..My aunt lives in Pacific Heights in a $$$$$ home, beautiful area. But so much of the rest of the city is in ruins.

[@bantheundead4162]

Stonestown is doing just fine. i went to gamestop yesterday, and it was packed

[@fillup40]

What about sun valley mall ?

[@gridley]

Anyone who goes to the former Westfield SF Centre mall hasn't been paying attention & must not know anyone living in the city itself.

[@krys1075]

They should literally turn some of these malls into apartments. A variety of 1 bed 1 bath, 2 bed 1 bath and so on. Most malls already have a great heater and a/c central system. The mall just needs a bit of interior design and all that fixer upper shenanigans. Some malls are smack dab in the middle of everything convenient near by….. great location….. there’s potential there.

[@TurboCarlos]

Live within your means

[@erich84502b]

malls shopping centers have been in a slow death for 20 years AND restaurants

[@SonyEnthusiast]

NOPE SERRAMONTE AND STONESTOWN ARE PACKED!!!

[@GentiluomoStraniero]

Well, I'm not surprised. You have stagnant wages, expensive real-estate and other cost of living items. People are stuck between a rock and a hard place.

[@Fakmilia84]

Serramonte and stones town are packed!

[@airtioteclint]

I think I'd rather avoid the crowd and go to the empty ones.

[@San_Francisco_Downtown_Watcher]

just people don't come to San Francisco because of crime, homeless, drug, robbery there. I live in SF, but I go to south sf and daly city for shopping because it is safer than sf downtown. You don't know when you will get robbed after shopping

[@CL-hf2fb]

San Francisco center mall is so sad and destitute really sad and empty.

[@redlobster4841]

Drop amazon people support local local jobs

[@giftedgreen2152]

Are we still pretending Macys isn’t closing after Xmas?

[@jameskim5158]

I went to check out San Francisco Mall and wow did it become Dead. It looks like its only 30% occupancy. And the amount of zombies walking around made me fearful for my belongings. Sad.

[@LoyaFrostwind]

Corte Madera Town Center is hopping!

[@davidchu2450]

Nobody wants to shop downtown for the obvious reason of being so unfriendly to cars, you make half of this into a huge high rise garage,and i guarantee you people will flock there, but stay hating cars downtown sf, now ur crashing in flames!

[@Thatsprettiemuchit]

But I can barely park at any Target the last few days lol

[@debbieannsmith8962]

Sad, but not surprising 😢😢😢

[@4damula]

The illegal stores outside on the sidewalks of San Francisco have better deals.. JS

[@NemesisN4Sir]

Thanks to online and shoplifter destroy it all.

[@Yoyoy08]

"Closed"

[@TreeofLife_111]

No one has money 😅

[@lisamaria3875]

They Robbed Them Blind The Usual Suspects 🙄

[@KingTechHD]

That’s hilarious. Close them down

[@surnamematt]

I swear that was Mr Bean and he just bought his girlfriend a picture hook!

[@whatsonhermindblog123]

Union square is full of NPCs and I try to avoid it...safeway sponsored ice skating rink yippyyyyy 😂

[@KAYLEIGH_MCENANY_TRUMP]

No hot girls at the mall

[@DukeBX]

I bet the people in the comments section have better revitalization ideas compared to the political fools who don’t do anything and keep saying things are improving.

[@propblast82nd]

Bidenomics

[@NikkiRowCoxx]

Welcome to Kamala’s district. All Americans had to do was Google CA, especially SF & then chose to elect Trump. 😂 LOL 😂

[@watchingnowhere]

They are living rent free in your head my guy. Imagine your argument always being about a presidency. Bro you need to go touch grass. It'll help you grow up and just enjoy the holiday my g. Mr Scrooge sounding ass.

[@EM_303]

@@watchingnowhere LOL. I haven't seen that movie in ages.

[@Scorpio1060-]

@@watchingnowhereIt’s a classic example of someone not liking themself because they made poor life decisions. It must be terrible to have your life consumed with politics.

[@ratfinkie62]

💩

[@FrankGallagherr]

Who else loathes Newsom?

[@AuzSanchez]

capitalism

[@giftedgreen2152]

Pray for everyone who grew up going to Nordstroms 🙏

[@LovenessLife]

🐏🐑🐏🐏🐏

[@bugzy510_]

Malls & movie theaters are a thing of the past. We shop online & stream everything. Let's all move on into the future 💯

[@pinokodayo]

Yawn yawn boring have fun tho

[@jasonc.8521]

Super L take...

[@TrinhNguyen-sh4fj]

I don’t agree and many still enjoy the malls and the movie theaters. Not everyone shops online only and not all movies can be streamed. Many movies are in theaters ONLY and nothing can compare to watching a movie in the theaters.

[@israelitehistorychannel9833]

they all are empty stop lying

[@MrVinn510]

Concord Mall was packed

[@meaniemcmean]

thats my dentist Lol

[@spamproof1]

Are people afraid of car being broken into in SF?