The closure of the Barnes & Noble bookstore in the Shops at Tanforan, San Bruno, marks a significant development in the ongoing decline of this once-thriving shopping destination. The store, a community fixture for over 20 years, will shut its doors on May 2, 2026, following the expiration of its lease. This news adds to the list of recent closures at the mall, including the departure of JCPenney last year, leaving just a handful of businesses operational.
The Shops at Tanforan, located south of San Francisco, originally opened in the 1970s and has struggled to maintain its vibrancy in recent years. Currently, the mall features only a few active retailers, including a jeweler, a bridal shop, a cell phone store, and dining options like a Target, Starbucks, and Chipotle. According to a statement from Barnes & Noble, the decision to close was met with sadness, highlighting their long-standing commitment to the community.
“We have loved being a part of this neighborhood, and it has been our honor and privilege to be your bookseller for the last 20 years,” the company stated on Facebook. The emotional response from the community is evident, with many expressing their nostalgia on social media. One user reminisced about childhood visits to the store, noting how it was a special part of growing up.
While the closure of the San Bruno location is disappointing, it stands in contrast to the overall performance of Barnes & Noble, which has reported growth in sales in recent years. The company’s CEO indicated that they have successfully moved past the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2025, the bookseller opened over 60 new stores across the United States, including additional locations in California.
The decline of the Shops at Tanforan is not an isolated incident. Nationwide, shopping centers are facing similar challenges, with many malls shuttering as consumer preferences shift toward online shopping. As of 2024, it is estimated that the United States has about 1,200 malls, but this number could dwindle to as few as 900 by 2028, according to research from Capital One.
Notably, the San Francisco Centre, once valued at $1.2 billion, has seen a drastic reduction in tenant occupancy, with 93 percent of its storefronts closing. The mall officially foreclosed in November 2025, citing a combination of rising crime rates and changing shopping habits as key factors.
In the broader San Francisco area, crime and homelessness have significantly impacted retail operations, making it difficult for businesses to thrive. A statement from Nordstrom Rack emphasized the dramatic changes in the downtown market, leading to diminished customer foot traffic. Despite these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope as new retailers, including AT&T and luxury fashion reseller the RealReal, have recently opened stores in the region.
For residents of San Bruno, alternatives to the Barnes & Noble location include another store in Emeryville, approximately 30 minutes away. Additionally, local independent bookstores such as Dog Eared Books and City Lights Booksellers & Publishers are nearby, offering unique selections for avid readers.
As the retail landscape continues to evolve in the face of economic pressures and changing consumer behavior, the closure of the Barnes & Noble in San Bruno serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges facing traditional brick-and-mortar stores.
