AT&T and The RealReal to reopen former Union Square stores, returning to the same addresses

Two notable retail returns are set for Union Square after 2023 closures

Two brands that exited San Francisco’s Union Square area during the post-pandemic retail contraction are now planning to reopen in the same storefronts they previously vacated. Telecommunications company AT&T is preparing a return to its former flagship retail space at One Powell Street, while luxury resale retailer The RealReal has announced the reopening of its flagship at 253 Post Street on February 26, 2026.

The moves stand out in a downtown corridor that saw a wave of departures over the last several years, including major and mid-sized brands rethinking their physical footprints amid reduced commuter traffic, shifts in tourism, and elevated concerns over property crime and operational costs.

What is known about each reopening

• AT&T at One Powell Street: The company is returning to the high-visibility corner storefront beside the Powell cable car turnaround. A firm reopening date has not been publicly confirmed.

• The RealReal at 253 Post Street: The company says the location will reopen as a “reimagined” flagship on February 26, spanning two stories and featuring merchandise categories including apparel, jewelry and watches. The store is also expected to offer consignor appointments and weekend coffee service.

Why returning to the same storefront is unusual

Retailers frequently re-enter markets after a closure, but reopening at the exact same address is far less common, particularly in high-rent urban corridors where vacancies may be backfilled quickly or where a brand’s earlier exit was tied to perceived structural challenges. In Union Square, several brands that have announced new San Francisco openings in recent years have done so at different sites or in different districts, reflecting a broader recalibration of store formats and neighborhood-level demand.

Signals of stabilization around Union Square

The reopenings arrive alongside a broader pattern of incremental leasing and activity in the Union Square area. New tenants and planned openings have been reported across nearby blocks, and the city has also promoted ongoing public programming intended to increase daytime and evening foot traffic through at least summer 2027.

Union Square’s near-term trajectory is being shaped by a mix of retailer decisions, real estate repositioning, and efforts to sustain visitation through events and street-level activation.

What to watch next

• Whether AT&T sets a reopening timeline and staffing plan for One Powell Street.

• Early performance indicators at The RealReal’s reopened flagship, including appointment volume and weekend traffic.

• Additional lease signings or store openings that clarify whether Union Square’s recent leasing momentum is sustained into 2026.

For Union Square, the return of two recognizable names to their former addresses adds a concrete data point to an ongoing question: whether downtown San Francisco’s flagship shopping district can regain enough consistent foot traffic to support long-term retail commitments.