Patrons of The Market at 1355 Market St. are facing the end of an era as the high-end grocery store confirms it will cease operations on Friday amid declining sales and rampant theft. An announcement on The Market's Instagram thanked customers for their support but signaled the end of grocery services while ensuring that all food venues will remain open during the upcoming restructuring. "Dear Customers, Thank you for your patronage over the years. We've enjoyed working with our community. But sad to say, The Market Grocery Department will be closing as of Friday, February 28, 2025," the social media post read.
Chris Foley, owner of The Market, outlined a bleak picture, with daily sales plummeting from approximately $60,000 in 2019 to just $2,300, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. The store, which has been a fixture in the former Twitter building since 2015, has experienced a significant drop in foot traffic and increased shoplifting incidents that have made business operations unsustainable. "The city, during COVID and after, basically let the meth addicts and homeless take over," Foley said in a statement that reveals his frustration with the local conditions contributing to the store’s downfall.
The departure of company X from the building the previous year did little to aid the waning customer base, with remote work trends continuing to affect local businesses. Despite a citywide decrease in crime, Foley expressed concerns that without a substantial return to in-person work, small businesses like his are at a significant disadvantage. "The city feels better," Foley stated.
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