Super Bowl Boosts Mountain View Economy, But Hardware Store Closure Raises Concerns

Local businesses see influx of visitors, but longtime hardware store to shut down after over 50 years

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Mountain View saw a significant economic boost from Super Bowl weekend, with hotels, bars, and downtown businesses reporting high traffic and sales. However, the impending closure of a beloved 50-year-old hardware store, Blossom True Value Hardware, has raised broader concerns about the future of small retailers in the city.

Why it matters

The Super Bowl's economic impact highlights the importance of major events and tourism for Mountain View's local economy. At the same time, the shuttering of Blossom True Value Hardware, a longstanding community fixture, reflects the challenges facing small businesses in the face of online competition and other market forces.

The details

Mountain View hotels, bars, and downtown businesses saw a surge in customers over Super Bowl weekend, with the Ameswell Hotel reporting very high occupancy. A city-hosted fan fest also drew crowds seeking food, drinks, and entertainment. Local officials estimate the Bay Area's overall economic impact from the Super Bowl could reach $500 million. However, the news is tempered by the impending closure of Blossom True Value Hardware, a beloved Mountain View institution that has served local DIYers and property owners for over 50 years. Owner Paul Zeitman cited shrinking foot traffic, online competition, and tariffs as factors behind the decision to shut down this summer.

  • Mountain View hotels, bars, and downtown businesses saw a boost in customers over Super Bowl weekend in February 2026.
  • Blossom True Value Hardware is set to close this summer after more than 50 years of operation.

The players

Ameswell Hotel

A hotel in Mountain View that reported very high occupancy over Super Bowl weekend.

Paul Zeitman

The owner of Blossom True Value Hardware, a 50-year-old hardware store in Mountain View that is set to close this summer.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Local officials and business owners will continue to assess the long-term economic impacts of the Super Bowl and explore ways to support small businesses like Blossom True Value Hardware in the face of changing market conditions.

The takeaway

The Super Bowl's economic boost to Mountain View highlights the importance of major events and tourism, but the closure of a beloved local hardware store also underscores the challenges facing small retailers in the city. This dynamic raises questions about how to balance the needs of large-scale events and the preservation of community-oriented businesses.