burlingame avenue feeling the economic crisis

Burlingame Avenue is a trendy little shopping district with plenty of big name retailers like J.Crew, GAP, Pottery Barn, and even the controversial Apple store. And for the most part, I've always thought it was pretty insulated from economic downturns because of the wealth in the area. But apparently I was wrong. This past Sunday I noticed quite a few "For Lease" signs on storefronts I'd grown accustomed to seeing. It seems that the current economy is even taking it's toll on retailers here.

I'm sure commercial leases on Burlingame Avenue are expensive and from what I've heard, a handful of only four or five people own most of the property. It's tough to see some of these retailers shutting their doors and it's more pronounced when many close at the same time. There's never been a shortage of turnover on the Ave but usually it's confined to smaller businesses and restaurants. In the six years I've lived here, we've seen lots of places come and go but never to to the extent of today.

I hope the trend stops soon because I'd hate to see Burlingame Avenue lose it's appeal. (And that would certainly hurt home prices in the immediate area.) The big retailers thrive on each other since they serve to attract different customers and allow people to do lots of shopping at once. I mean, if there were only the one or two stores, would people from all over the Peninsula come shopping on Burlingame Ave? I doubt it. People like that there is a bunch of stuff all within walking distance of each other. And for residents like myself, I love the convenience of having these stores so close-by.


The Gallery(?) is closed on Primrose Road


Ann Taylor is closed on Burlingame Ave


BabyStyle is closed on Burlingame Ave (note: there are like 4 other baby stores still!)


MacGerathy's(?) is closed on Burlingame Ave


Local collectibles place is closed on Burlingame Ave


BEBE is closed on Burlingame Ave


Eve's is closed on Primrose Road


But new brands are on their way in too. American Apparel opened just this past month.