Peet’s Closure Adds Another Vacancy to Struggling SoMa Plaza

Peet’s Coffee in the shopping center at 555 Ninth Street has shuttered, adding another vacancy to the ailing SoMa retail plaza. 

The popular outlet’s last day was Dec. 31 according to the neighboring businesses’ employees, who enjoyed the convenience of the location, which was sandwiched between Trader Joe’s and a now-shuttered Ulta Beauty location. 

“I’m really sad that it’s gone,” said Robert Lawrence, an employee at Bed Bath & Beyond, also part of the shopping center. “It was fast and close by.” 

Mary Anne Uy, who works at the adjacent Trader Joe’s, was also disappointed by the loss. “I’d go there probably four times a week,” she said. “It was so convenient when you have only a 10-minute break.” 

Uy also noted that it was popular among Trader Joe’s customers, who could pick up a jolt of caffeine before or after a trip to the grocery store. 

The shopping center, owned by Acadia Realty Trust, has multiple vacancies. Nordstrom Rack closed in October 2021, followed by Ulta Beauty and Chase Bank. Even the Wells Fargo ATM location has been removed, according to Uy. 

Other stores in the area, including Muji across the street at 540 Ninth Street, have also closed. 

Peet’s opened its first coffee shop in 1966 in Berkeley and maintains 139 Bay Area locations.