After serving the Pacific Heights neighborhood for more than a century, Pacific Heights Hardware is officially closing its doors by the end of May. The small, independent shop — which first opened in 1907 — has long been a fixture for homeowners, DIYers, and community members alike. But recent years have taken a toll on the business.
“We just didn’t have a lot of people coming by,” longtime employee Lisa Schmid told SFGate. “It was just costing us more money than we were getting.”
Table of Contents
A Struggle Against Modern Retail Trends
The Impact of the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a devastating blow to many small businesses. During the lockdown, most retail operations had to shut down temporarily. Unlike national chains with online infrastructure and deep pockets, small neighborhood stores like Pacific Heights Hardware struggled to recover.
The Rise of Big-Box and E-Commerce Giants
Following the pandemic, large retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot rapidly expanded both their online and physical presence. These giants offer convenience, low prices, and fast shipping — advantages small hardware stores simply can’t match.
“It’s not that we were ever extremely successful,” Schmid admitted. “But it’s been particularly hard the last two years.”
What Made Pacific Heights Hardware Special
More Than Just a Store
Many local residents, including San Francisco native Sondra Halperin, remember the store fondly. “It’s been an icon in the neighborhood for years,” Halperin said. She recalled childhood shopping trips with her cousin, noting how knowledgeable the staff were and how the curated inventory set the store apart from big-name competitors.
Giving Back to the Community
Owner Ammar Swalim was known for his generous spirit. After discovering a massive avocado tree behind the shop, he gave away hundreds of the fruits to neighbors — a gesture that reflected the store’s deep connection to the community.
A Heartfelt Goodbye
A Social Media Farewell
The store’s Instagram account confirmed the closure in a bittersweet message:
“After years of serving the neighborhood, Pacific Heights Hardware is permanently closing its doors — and everything must go.”
Final Sales and Community Support
In the store’s final weeks, locals have rallied in support. A buy-one-get-one-free sale on identical items is currently underway, and select products such as batteries and keys are being sold at 50% off to help clear out inventory.
“Since we put out the going-out-of-business sale, a lot of people have come in,” Schmid said. “They stress how sorry they were and gave hugs.”
What Pacific Heights Hardware’s Closure Means for San Francisco
The Loss of Local Character
With each mom-and-pop closure, cities like San Francisco lose a piece of their soul. Halperin summed it up well:
“One of the reasons that San Francisco is so charming is that we have these mom-and-pop stores that have survived. We actively work to keep them in our neighborhoods and support them. Chain stores are nice, but we try to keep it local.”
A Broader Retail Shift
The closure of Pacific Heights Hardware mirrors a national trend — where local, family-owned stores are increasingly outmatched by corporate chains and e-commerce platforms. It raises a pressing question: Can small businesses still survive in a landscape dominated by giants?
Final Thoughts
Pacific Heights Hardware wasn’t just a store — it was a neighborhood institution. As it prepares to close its doors forever, the community it served for over 100 years is left to reflect on what’s being lost — and what can still be preserved.