PetSmart will close its only store in San Francisco on Sunday, July 19, as the company adapts to changing consumer behavior, according to KTVU.
The store, located at 2675 Geary Blvd., will cease operations due to a shift towards online ordering, autoship, and same-day delivery by its customers.
"As more customers choose online ordering, autoship and same-day delivery, we’re continuing to adapt how we serve pet parents across the Bay Area," a company statement read, as reported by SF Gate.
The Geary Boulevard location offered a range of retail products in addition to services such as doggie day care and camps, boarding, grooming, and training. PetSmart stated that pet parents in San Francisco will still have access to nearby locations, including the Daly City store, and can utilize online shopping with delivery options.
The company is also expanding fulfillment capabilities at its Daly City store to better serve the community.
PetSmart, founded in Phoenix in 1987, grew to over 1,680 locations across North America and Puerto Rico and employs more than 50,000 people. The company operates more than 700 veterinary offices.
Employees affected by the San Francisco closure will be offered opportunities to relocate to other Bay Area stores, along with transitional resources.
This closure follows a recent city hearing regarding a proposed ban on the sale of live pets in San Francisco stores. While state law already prohibits the retail sale of cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets, and other specific animals, stores in California are permitted to sell amphibians, fish, birds, guinea pigs, hamsters, and reptiles.