San Francisco Centre Mall to Close Permanently on January 26, 2026

The San Francisco Centre, the city’s largest shopping mall, is set to close permanently on January 26, 2026, marking the end of nearly two decades as a major retail hub on Market Street. The closure follows a prolonged decline accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work trends, and reduced tourism. Anchor tenants Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s departed in 2023 and 2025, respectively, while the last remaining food vendor, Panda Express, ceased operations earlier this month. BART has already closed the Powell Street Station entrance to the mall. Remaining tenants received lease termination notices after lenders acquired the property’s debt in November 2025, reports San Francisco Newsroom via SFChronicle.

History and Significance of San Francisco Centre

The San Francisco Centre, formerly Westfield San Francisco Centre, opened on September 28, 2006, quickly becoming the city’s premier shopping destination. Housing approximately 200 stores at its peak, the mall featured major anchor tenants including Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s, along with a diverse array of retail, dining, and entertainment options. Its location adjacent to Powell Street BART Station made it a central hub for commuters and tourists alike.

Over time, the mall became an economic and cultural landmark in downtown San Francisco. It hosted seasonal events, fashion shows, and community activities, while generating significant employment across retail and service sectors. The dome atrium and iconic escalators were frequently photographed and shared in media coverage, reflecting its prominence in the cityscape.

Factors Leading to Closure

The decline of the San Francisco Centre was gradual but accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Limited tourism, rising remote work, and urban safety concerns contributed to a steep drop in foot traffic. The departures of anchor tenants further weakened the mall’s appeal:

• Nordstrom: exited in 2023
• Bloomingdale’s: exited in 2025

Smaller retailers and food vendors, dependent on the draw of anchor stores, followed suit. By late 2025, fewer than 20 businesses remained operational in a mall that had previously housed around 200. The last food vendor, Panda Express, closed in early January 2026, following Shake Shack and other small operators.

In November 2025, a consortium of lenders acquired the mall’s debt, effectively assuming control of the property. Shortly afterward, remaining tenants received lease termination notices, triggering the final wave of closures.

Impact on Public Transportation and BART Access

BART has officially closed the Powell Street Station entrance connecting directly to the mall. Alicia Trost, BART’s chief communications officer, stated:

“SF Centre’s General Manager advised BART they were going to close the entrance from the Powell Station concourse level to their mall. Depending on the property’s future use, any new ownership may wish to reopen the entrance. At that point, BART would entertain a new license agreement for reopening the entrance.”

This closure affects daily commuters who previously used the mall as a corridor into downtown. Alternatives include the main Powell Street Station exits and surrounding pedestrian routes, which remain accessible.

Future of the Property and Redevelopment Challenges

The future use of the San Francisco Centre site remains uncertain. Real estate analysts caution that converting the property for alternative commercial or residential use could incur significant expenses due to its structure and central location. Potential redevelopment scenarios include mixed-use office, residential, or retail space, though no official plans have been announced. A full closure reduces operational costs, including utilities, maintenance, and security, while providing flexibility for future redevelopment.

Tenant Guidance and Lease Terminations

Remaining tenants have received formal lease termination notices. The process for tenants involves:

1. Confirming lease end dates with the management office at JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle).
2. Settling outstanding obligations, including rent, utilities, and service charges.
3. Coordinating property handover with mall management, including return of keys and removal of personal property.
4. Accessing legal guidance if disputes arise, via the local tenant association or legal aid services.

Tenants can reach the property management at www.jll.com/sfcentre or by visiting the management office at 845 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103.

Economic and Community Implications

The closure of the San Francisco Centre will have multiple immediate effects:

• Retail employment: Loss of hundreds of jobs across sales, food service, and security.
• Local economy: Decreased foot traffic may impact nearby businesses and restaurants.
• Urban planning: City authorities may need to consider adaptive reuse policies or zoning adjustments to accommodate new functions.

Online communities and social media have already shared memories and documented the mall’s empty stores, reflecting its cultural significance to generations of San Franciscans.

Key Dates and Timeline

What Residents and Visitors Should Know

• Access to Powell Street Station remains via alternate exits; the direct mall entrance is closed.
• Former mall tenants should confirm lease termination processes with JLL.
• Nearby shopping alternatives include Union Square retail district, Westfield San Francisco Centre affiliates, and other downtown outlets.
• Any redevelopment of the site may result in temporary construction zones and changes to pedestrian access.

Visual Overview

Remaining Stores as of January 2026: fewer than 20
Total Stores Pre-pandemic: ~200
Anchor Tenants Lost: Nordstrom (2023), Bloomingdale’s (2025)
Food Vendors: Last remaining Panda Express closed early Jan 2026
Public Transit Access: Powell Street Station entrance closed

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – San Francisco Centre Closure

Q1: When is the San Francisco Centre closing?
A1: The mall will permanently close on January 26, 2026. All retail operations will cease on this date.

Q2: Why is the San Francisco Centre closing?
A2: The closure results from declining foot traffic, departures of anchor tenants (Nordstrom in 2023 and Bloomingdale’s in 2025), pandemic-related impacts, and a change in property ownership after lenders acquired the mall’s debt in November 2025.

Q3: What will happen to remaining tenants?
A3: Remaining tenants have received lease termination notices. They must settle outstanding obligations and coordinate the handover of leased space with JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle), the property manager. Guidance is available at www.jll.com/sfcentre or the management office at 845 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103.

Q4: How does this affect public transportation?
A4: The Powell Street BART Station entrance directly connecting to the mall is closed. Commuters can still access BART via main station exits and surrounding pedestrian routes. Any reopening would require a new license agreement with BART if future owners reopen the entrance.

The San Francisco Centre’s closure signifies a shift in urban retail patterns, accelerated by pandemic-era changes in work and tourism. While the building’s future remains undetermined, residents and city planners face immediate logistical and economic adjustments in downtown San Francisco.

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