Beloved community bakeries shut down in ‘retail apocalypse’ as six stores are forced to close

Across the country, popular bakeries and restaurants are closing their doors due to the ongoing retail apocalypse.

From San Francisco to Boston, the closures of community spots have saddened locals and visitors alike.

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In Massachusetts, Atwood’s Tavern announced it would be closing March 31.

Owners Patrick and Ryan Magee were heartbroken after making the decision to close the tavern.

They announced, “While we don’t yet know who will take the mantle, we’re confident they will provide the neighborhood with the community space it deserves.”

7ate9, another local spot known for its cheesecakes, is also closing until the end of the month.

Owner Sarah Chester said the closure of her bakery was brutal.

She said: “I’ve spoken to many other small business owners in the same situation and we all face a very real challenge.

“You might see me at pop-ups, on the wholesale scene, opening a grocery bookstore, starting a podcast, or advising on developing small businesses or making the best cheesecake in the world.”

Nearly 3,000 miles away, another local San Francisco store is closing after operating for just four months.

The local shop became famous for its “mochi muffins” after it sent cease-and-desist letters to other companies making their own versions.

The Third Culture Bakery closed earlier this month due to a series of issues.

Owners cited shoplifting, public urination and faeces in front of the entrance as some reasons for the closure.

It’s just one of many local businesses across the country facing a retail apocalypse.

Rising inflation has jeopardized the future of many businesses.

The shrinking middle class has also played a role in the closures, with most of the affected stores previously serving average-salaried Americans.

The Sun previously reported on a small Portland business that has closed its doors due to a large number of shoplifting cases.

Consign Couture owner Tamara Young opened a second location of her store in Portland last March in what she feels is a safe area.

She said: “When I decided to rent this space I told them that I felt this was a safe place to sell Louis Vuitton and Chanel bags.”

Her shop has been described as “an inclusive, well-stocked consignment shop for quality men’s and women’s clothing and accessories.”

But after a year of theft, she’s closing the doors of her high-end consignment store.

Despite surveillance cameras and clever detection techniques, thieves continued to wreak havoc on their businesses.