The North Face has closed its last remaining store in Berkeley, California, marking the end of the outdoor retailer’s physical presence in the city that played a crucial role in the company’s growth. The final location on Fifth Street permanently shut its doors on July 12, concluding decades of operation in Berkeley.

Founded in 1966 as a retail outlet in San Francisco, The North Face relocated to Berkeley two years later following the acquisition by Kenneth "Hap" Klopp. Under Klopp's leadership, the company expanded from a modest local shop into a global brand valued at over $10 billion.

The closure of the Berkeley store reflects broader trends in the retail industry, as established companies continue to adjust their physical footprints in response to changing consumer behaviors and a growing emphasis on online sales. While The North Face maintains a significant global market presence through digital channels and other locations, the end of its Berkeley retail operations marks a significant moment for the city closely tied to the company's early history.

Local customers and longtime followers of the brand noted the closure with a sense of nostalgia, as The North Face’s presence had become a familiar part of Berkeley’s retail landscape over many years. The company has not announced plans to reopen any new stores in the immediate area.