As the festive lights shine and holiday spirit fills the air, there is a bittersweet feeling hanging over Union Square this holiday season.
At the heart of it all is the 75-foot Christmas tree, a symbol of the magic that Macy’s brings to the San Francisco shopping district every year.
Will McClanahan, a Black Friday shopper, was enjoying the holiday spirit with his mother and his dog Winston.
“My mom is visiting for the holidays, so we got to come see the famous Macy’s Christmas tree and enjoy Union Square,” McClanahan said.
Although Black Friday shopping crowds were smaller than in years past, this year’s festivities are more important for another reason: Macy’s, the iconic retailer that has anchored Union Square for decades, plans to close its flagship store.
The closure – and that was it announced last February – could come as early as next year as part of a broader strategy to close underperforming locations across the country.
For many, the news is a tough pill to swallow.
“It’s sad because it’s such a historic location. Such a great place, a great gathering area,” McClanahan said. ‘Sorry to hear. I associate this big tree with Macy’s.’
Gloria Polidore, a shopper from Italy, echoed these sentiments.
“I love Macy’s. I’m here all the time. I do a lot of shopping there. And I’m sad to see it close. Because I love this place,” she said.
While Macy’s departure looms in the minds of many, some Union Square business owners remain optimistic. Lauren Ellis, owner of the CK Contemporary art gallery on Powell Street, is one of them.
“It’s a huge improvement for us to see people visiting San Francisco. They’re having a great time, a great experience. It’s reflected in the business we do, and people enjoy coming to San Francisco,” she said.
To ensure safety and maintain the holiday spirit, the San Francisco Police Department has increased its security efforts. According to the ministry, car burglaries in the region have fallen by almost 80 percent.
“We have increased the number of police officers in the area. We have been doing this every holiday for a number of years. And it has had an impact on reducing the number of incidents that occur here,” a department spokesperson said.
For McClanahan and his family, the focus is on making lasting memories in Union Square while Macy’s is still there.
“Sure, some areas can be a little more dangerous than others. But this is a great place. It’s beautiful. And we love it here,” he said as his dog Winston happily trotted next to him.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Macy’s, the community spirit in Union Square remains strong.
