The first Gap store in Southern California, a long-standing fixture in Santa Monica, is slated to close on July 23, concluding its decades-long retail presence. The store, located at Wilshire Boulevard and 20th Street, will be demolished to make way for a new mixed-use development that includes approximately 260 apartments.
A spokesperson for Gap stated, "Gap has been proud to be part of the community in Santa Monica for more than 50 years, but as our lease comes to an end this summer, we will be closing this location with deep gratitude to the customers, employees and neighbors who have made it so special over the decades." The company is reportedly assisting employees with finding opportunities at other nearby Gap locations.
The planned development, spearheaded by developer Cypress Equity Investments, will feature an eight-story building on the site. It is expected to include about 21,500 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, with 26 of the residential units designated as affordable housing.
Over its history, the Santa Monica Gap store has seen various notable events, including celebrity shoppers and serving as a backdrop for a music video. It also reportedly acted as an emergency supply hub for first responders during wildfires in 2025. The closure has drawn emotional responses from local residents, with many expressing sadness at the loss of a convenient retail option.
The store's impending closure is part of a trend of changes in Santa Monica, with several other businesses in the area having recently closed. Residents have a limited time to visit the store before its transformation into housing.
