New Downtown SF Ikea Will Have Nonstop Security, Company Says After Whole Foods Shutters

Downtown San Francisco’s new Ikea furniture store will have round-the-clock security, the retail company announced Monday. 

It comes a week after a Downtown Whole Foods store announced its abrupt closure due to staff safety concerns. 

“The safety of our co-workers and customers is always the highest priority for Ikea. Ikea San Francisco, which will be part of a new meeting place from Ingka Centres on Market Street, will be staffed with a security team at all times,” an Ikea spokesperson said in an email.

The new store on Market Street could open as early as May in the building previously known as the 6x6 Mall, although the company now says it will open in the coming months. Prior information stated the store would be open by the end of 2023.

Ingka Centres acquired the property from MSP Property LLP in September 2020, and announced at the time it expected to open the Ikea store in fall 2021. In July 2022, the mall’s architect, Gensler, filed plans to renovate the property for $10.6 million.

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Downtown stakeholders are hopeful that the forthcoming mall, with Ikea as its focal point, will help liven up San Francisco’s struggling Mid-Market neighborhood and turn urban and economic conditions there around. 

“We strive to have excellent partnerships with all local, state and federal authorities, including law enforcement, and work in tandem with them as any situation requires,” said an Ikea spokesperson. “While we are energetically moving forward with construction, we remain committed to the site and will be sharing our exciting plans for the grand opening celebration of IKEA San Francisco in the coming months.”