Anthropologie Opens in Downtown Santa Cruz on Pacific Avenue

New clothing and home goods store brings luxury retail to downtown as vacancy rates decline.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Anthropologie, the popular clothing and home goods retailer, has opened a new location in downtown Santa Cruz, California. The store, located in a historic building on Pacific Avenue, features a spacious design with high ceilings and a minimalist aesthetic. The new Anthropologie is expected to boost downtown retail, as it attracts shoppers who previously had to travel to nearby cities to visit the brand's stores.

Why it matters

The opening of Anthropologie is seen as a positive sign for the downtown Santa Cruz business climate, as the area has seen a decline in vacancy rates and an influx of new businesses in recent years. The new store is expected to generate additional sales tax revenue for the city and drive foot traffic to other nearby businesses.

The details

The new Anthropologie store occupies the former Bank of Italy/Bank of America building at 1134 Pacific Ave. The building, designed in the Zigzag Moderne architectural style, previously housed a New Leaf Market grocery store. The new Anthropologie features a spacious, light-filled layout with high ceilings and a minimalist design. The store offers a range of clothing, home goods, and beauty products, including partnerships with exclusive brands like Reformation and Maeve.

  • Anthropologie celebrated its grand opening on January 21, 2026.
  • In 2025, 14 new businesses opened in downtown Santa Cruz, and vacancy rates on Pacific Avenue dropped from 17% to 9.2%.

The players

Anthropologie

A clothing and home goods retailer that is part of the URBN portfolio of brands, which also includes Urban Outfitters and Free People.

Downtown Association of Santa Cruz (DASC)

An organization that manages the Downtown Business Improvement District and advocates for businesses through leadership and marketing.

Jorian Wilkins

The executive director of the Downtown Association of Santa Cruz.

Charlie Wall

The store manager of the new Anthropologie location in Santa Cruz.

Juniper Postlewaite

A 22-year-old recent transplant from Seattle who is a fan of Anthropologie.

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What they’re saying

“Customers who would drive to Los Gatos or Valley Fair Mall to shop at Anthropologie, can now stay local instead. That sales tax revenue stays local in the city of Santa Cruz. And those shoppers visit other businesses downtown.”

— Jorian Wilkins, Executive Director, Downtown Association of Santa Cruz (goodtimes.sc)

“It's very nice, it smells good. My sister loves it and her mother is also a fan, keeping pieces from 20 years ago in her closet.”

— Juniper Postlewaite (goodtimes.sc)

What’s next

The Downtown Association of Santa Cruz is continuing to work on attracting new businesses and reducing vacancy rates in the downtown area.

The takeaway

The opening of Anthropologie in downtown Santa Cruz is a sign of the area's revitalization, as new businesses move in and vacancy rates decline. The new store is expected to generate additional foot traffic and sales tax revenue for the city, while also providing a convenient shopping option for local residents who previously had to travel to other cities to visit the brand.