SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — The Christmas shopping season is here and San Francisco is hoping to breathe new life into a struggling mall.
This weekend, a holiday pop-up shop and restaurant is showcasing small businesses, hoping to attract more foot traffic to downtown San Francisco.
“We sell cannolis, grandmother’s recipe. She’s 102 years old in Sicily,” said Girolamo Aliotti of Cannoli. & Co.
It’s not every day you can come to the mall during the holiday season to enjoy handcrafted cannolis or see dozens of Bay Area small businesses selling unique gifts. But this is no ordinary shopping center.
“I’ve lived in the city for 20 years. I used to shop at this mall. We all knew it hurt,” said Patricia Le, owner of Pato.
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That’s why city economic development leaders moved the Shop Dine SF Holiday Pop-up event from City Hall to the San Francisco Center, the former Westfield Mall, where more customers are needed.
“So by bringing them together here in one place, people can learn about the creators and then explore the mall. So it’s been a great partnership,” said Marianne Thompson of the San Francisco Small Business Office.
“I think it’s important to highlight small businesses in SF, especially those that don’t have brick and mortar,” Aliotti said.
More than 50 vendors were set up under the now empty iconic dome. Bryan Robinson is optimistic about the future of downtown shopping.
We have some of the best views. It’s an incredible structure, and we’re here to give it new life,” said Robinson of Sam’s Gourmet Jams.
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It’s no secret that this shopping center is suffering from economic difficulties. Many stores have left. In fact, this part of the mall resembles a ghost town.
“I really like the idea of San Francisco Center allowing this kind of situation to happen. I guess it’s a great way to revisit this mall with new eyes,” said shopper Olivia Ongpin.
Some shoppers discovered the pop-up event. Others have made it a Saturday destination.
“I mean honestly, that’s why I came to the mall today, to support small businesses,” said Andrea Ralph of Benicia.
The city thinks events like this work.
“We’ve noticed a huge increase in foot traffic and an increase in the number of people coming downtown,” Thompson said.
The city estimates about 200 to 300 people will show up for the two-day pop-up event.
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