Saks Fifth Avenue is shutting down its Union Square location in San Francisco on May 10, ending a run that began in 1981. The closure adds to a growing list of retailers abandoning the city as crime continues to rise.
Key Facts:
- Saks Fifth Avenue will permanently close its San Francisco Union Square store on May 10, 2025.
- The store had already switched to an appointment-only model in July 2024.
- Saks will continue serving Bay Area customers via nearby Neiman Marcus and Saks-affiliated locations.
- Employees will be offered transfer options or separation packages, according to Saks Global.
- So far in 2025, San Francisco has reported over 8,100 crimes, including 530 robberies and 4,600 larceny thefts.
The Rest of The Story:
Saks Fifth Avenue’s decision to close its Union Square store follows a broader trend of retail retreat in San Francisco.
Once a symbol of luxury in the city, the location had shifted to appointment-only shopping in mid-2024 before opting to close completely.
Saks cited long-term growth strategy and ongoing integration as reasons for the decision, not mentioning crime directly.
Other high-end retailers are also leaving.
Bloomingdale’s plans to shut down its store in the San Francisco Centre by late spring 2025.
The company expressed hope to return someday but offered no timeline.
Saks Global emphasized that Bay Area customers can still shop through nearby Neiman Marcus stores and online platforms.
Staff will be offered relocation opportunities or severance packages where applicable.
This is San Francisco, or what's left of it. This entire retail block is entirely vacant. It's prime real estate in Union Square. It used to be one of the busiest parts of the city. Not only can no business afford the lease, it's just not worth it. pic.twitter.com/BemvoITFvI
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) June 3, 2024
Commentary:
San Francisco’s steady decline is hard to ignore, and the closure of Saks Fifth Avenue is just the latest symptom.
This is no longer just about changing consumer behavior or digital shopping trends—it’s about public safety.
A city with over 8,000 reported crimes this year alone is becoming a place where businesses can’t operate safely.
For decades, San Francisco has been governed by progressive leadership.
Yet, the outcome is an increasingly unlivable environment for businesses and families alike.
Major retail brands—once the backbone of Union Square—are now cutting their losses and walking away.
How many more brands have to leave before city officials take crime seriously?
The message being sent to both residents and retailers is loud and clear: lawlessness is tolerated, and public safety is optional.
You cannot be both soft on crime and expect economic prosperity.
When theft is rampant and consequences are rare, businesses face a simple calculation: leave or lose everything.
Until city leaders stop coddling criminal behavior and start enforcing basic order, San Francisco’s downward spiral will continue.
And with each shuttered storefront, the once-vibrant city becomes a warning sign for others.
The Bottom Line:
Saks Fifth Avenue’s Union Square closure is yet another blow to San Francisco’s struggling retail scene.
Crime continues to push both luxury and everyday brands out of the city.
Without a course correction, more closures are inevitable.
San Francisco can’t thrive if businesses don’t feel safe staying.
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