It was announced over the holiday that high-end cookware & kitchen accessory retailer Williams Sonoma would be shuttering its doors for good on January 19th. The upscale chain headquartered in SF originally opened when the mall was built back in 2002. It was one of three stores that went dark following the holiday shopping season.

The announcement was made via a sign placed in the window outside the store during the height of the holiday shopping season:

Thank You. We will be closing this location. We apologize for any inconvenience and invite you to visit or call us at our nearest locations: Walnut Creek

An anonymous store employee noted that a combination of slow sales and the ending of their lease led to their decision to close. It was also noted that a changing shopper demographic at the mall was a contributing factor.

Kay Jewelers abruptly shut down on January 3rd, notifying their existing customers about the closure by letter. No reason was given for the closure.

Go! Calendar, Games & Toys also plans to close their doors this month. The store was originally opened as a seasonal store, but employees had previous expressed hope of staying on as a permanent tenant. Both Williams Sonoma and Go! are currently holding clearance sales.

No public announcement has been made yet on what would be replacing these shuttered stores. However, American Eagle Outfitters is rumored to be taking over the Williams Sonoma space.