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Santa Monica Faces 28.5% Storefront Vacancy Crisis

4/18/2026

26 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A Santa Monica product designer reported that 28.5% of storefronts on Third Street Promenade are vacant, signaling a decline.
The Misfit Bar and Restaurant will close after 15 years, and The Britannia pub will be replaced by Taco Bell Cantina.
Old Navy and Gap have left, worsening traffic.
Santa Monica officials expanded outdoor Entertainment Zone and allocated $3 million for business recruitment, but sentiment remains negative as businesses shut.

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Story summary

A Santa Monica product designer reported that 28.5% of storefronts on Third Street Promenade are vacant, signaling a decline.
The Misfit Bar and Restaurant will close after 15 years, and The Britannia pub will be replaced by Taco Bell Cantina.
Old Navy and Gap have left, worsening traffic.
Santa Monica officials expanded outdoor Entertainment Zone and allocated $3 million for business recruitment, but sentiment remains negative as businesses shut.