Even the Big Boys of Retail Are Feeling the Rent-Hike Pinch

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We can all agree that small businesses are struggling through the soaring San Francisco rent prices. Clothes Contact will lose its spot on Valencia. Le Video had to find a roommate. Bibliohead is searching for a new home. But the problem isn't unique to small businesses: Mission Local reports that even T-Mobile is downsizing its Mission digs because the rent is too damn high.

The mobile company is planning to move from its 3,000 square foot corner store to the 1,100 square foot former Gold Star Imports space at 2369 Mission Street if it gets formula retail approval. (The Planning Commission is voting on T-Mobile's formula retail request for the space today.) Assuming the application is approved —and Mission Local thinks that's likely— there will be a prime corner vacancy in the bustling neighborhood.
· Rising Rents Push One Chain to Downsize [Mission Local]
· Green Apple Books Swoops in to Save Le Video [Racked]