As we all know, the small, locally-founded formula retail chain, La Boulange, is being closed by its parent company Starbucks. Its second store opened in Hayes Valley, one of its most successful outlets, before being purchased by Starbucks.
The parent company is closing the small chain, without regard to the economic impact the closure will have on neighborhoods or its employees, or neighborhood character. In addition, the Formula Retail Ban was written to bar formula retailers like Starbucks and others, from opening in Hayes Valley. Even though La Boulange opened as a non-formula retailer, it cannot be replaced with another chain store, such as Starbucks, its parent company. It must be replaced with a qualifying non-chain retailer.
The Hayes Valley Neighborhood Assn, its merchant members, and neighborhood members will vigorously defend the Hayes Valley commercial district from any formula retailer that tries to open one of its chain stores in this neighborhood. The Formula Retail Ban is intended to protect the integrity and individuality of commercial districts in our neighborhood. Hayes Valley has led the nation in protecting its merchants and preserving its commercial district from the negative economic consequences of generic retail strategies.
Just one year ago, Starbuck’s launched La Boulange as a restaurant: https://nrn.com/fast-casual/starbucks-open-all-day-la-boulange-restaurant-los-angeles
Apparently, there is a notice at La Boulange and they are asking people to contact
press@starbucks.comor call (206)318-7100 and voice neighborhood concerns https://demanjo.com/news/business/2153360/starbucks-to-close-all-its-la-boulange-retail-locations.html