San Francisco's renowned Jeffrey's Toys, a downtown landmark and the inspiration behind Pixar's "Toy Story," is set to close its doors for good at the end of February.
This historic toy store, the oldest in the city, cites soaring inflation and increasing crime and violence as the reasons for its shutdown.
Jeffrey's Toys Closes Amid Challenges and Heartbreak
San Francisco's iconic Jeffrey's Toys is set to close its doors at the end of February., a decision shaped by numerous challenges. Ken Sterling, the business' attorney, told The San Francisco Chronicle about the store's prolonged struggles.
Sterling shared with the San Francisco Chronicle the multiple challenges that have plagued the store for years.
He cited the dangerous conditions in downtown San Francisco, rising inflation, declining consumer spending, and the broader downturn in the retail sector as key reasons for the store's struggles.
"This outcome deeply saddens the family," Sterling stated. "We have exhausted every possible avenue to keep the business afloat."
Once a chain with multiple locations across the Bay Area, Jeffrey's Toys has been reduced to a single store in the Financial District, marking the end of its long-standing presence in the city.
Originally opened in 1938 as Birdie's Variety Store, Jeffrey's Toys has been a part of the Luhn family for four generations. Transitioning to a toy store in the 1950s, it once boasted seven locations across the Bay Area.
However, the current site in the Financial District has been its sole location for some time. Speaking to the San Francisco Business Tim Rosie Luhn es, I shared the family's deep sadness over the closure. "We're heartbroken," she said, noting the family's efforts to keep the store running amidst declining city footfall.
She acknowledged that while San Francisco has always managed to bounce back, a recovery this time might take about three years.
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Rising Crime and Homelessness Impact on San Francisco Retail
San Francisco is grappling with a significant surge in crime, highlighted by a 14.4% increase in robberies in 2023. The city's crime rates paint a worrying picture, with statistics placing it as more dangerous than 99% of U.S. neighborhoods.
The robbery rate in San Francisco is alarmingly over 4.5 times the national average, as reported by Neighborhood Scout.
This escalating crime wave, coupled with the homelessness crisis, has forced numerous retailers, including the venerable Jeffrey's Toys, to close their doors. The pandemic's onset has seen about 40 retail stores in the downtown area shut down.
Well-known brands like Starbucks, Whole Foods, Old Navy, Saks Off 5th, Office Depot, Athleta, Abercrombie & Fitch, Disney, Marshall's, H&M, and Gap have also succumbed to the challenges, with closures fueled by the growing issues of crime and homelessness in the city.
Westfield San Francisco Centre, the city's largest mall, has experienced a drastic drop in value, losing close to $1 billion. This downturn has led to major retailers like Nordstrom leaving the mall, driven away by safety concerns in the surrounding area.
The shutdown of Jeffrey's Toys is more than just a store closure; it represents the diminishing allure of San Francisco's downtown, once a bustling hub. Despite the family's commitment, financial investment, and affection for the store, challenges like inadequate support from city leaders and a worsening security situation proved overwhelming.
Jeffrey's Toys' closure adds to the narrative of San Francisco's ongoing battle with crime, raising questions about the fate of its famed landmarks and the retail sector.
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