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Longtime Retailer SF Plants Closes Polk Street Shop

The shop is holding an everything must go sale with 30% off inventory before it shutters the doors.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Bold vector editorial illustration of potted plants on a wooden bench against a simple building wall, representing a local business closure.
SF Plants is closing its longtime Polk Street retail storefront in San Francisco after two decades of operating as a neighborhood staple. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The plant shop SF Plants is closing its storefront at the corner of Polk and California streets. Owner Mark Leahy announced the closure, citing the death of his business partner and the rising costs of operating in San Francisco.

Why it matters

The closure marks the end of a two-decade neighborhood fixture that was founded in 2005. The owner plans to continue managing existing maintenance accounts, even as the brick-and-mortar retail presence ends due to declining foot traffic.

The shop is currently offering a 30% discount on all inventory, including plants, pots, vases, shelving, and furniture. The business had operated at the location for 21 years.

The players

Mark Leahy

The business owner of SF Plants who decided to close the storefront.

Dino Bocala

The late co-founder of SF Plants who passed away in March 2026.

The details

Founded in 2005 by Mark Leahy and Dino Bocala, the shop has become a staple of the Polk and California intersection. Following the death of Bocala in March 2026, Leahy determined the store was no longer sustainable amidst rising business costs. While the retail space is liquidating its current stock, the business will maintain its service accounts.

Timeline

  1. 2005: SF Plants was founded.

  2. March 2026: Partner Dino Bocala died.

  3. October 2026: SF Plants announced the store closure.

Across the Bay

This storefront closure follows the pattern of local small business contraction in corridors facing shifts in foot traffic. It marks a transition for the neighborhood retail landscape in the area of Polk and California streets.

Shoppers can currently find 30% off all plants, furniture, and vases at the Polk and California store. While the shop is closing to the public, the business will continue to operate its maintenance accounts.

The takeaway

Neighbors can visit the shop now to take advantage of the liquidation sale. Keep an eye on the storefront as inventory is cleared out during the final weeks of operation.

Further reading

For more on the changing retail landscape in our neighborhoods, check the Openings & Closings section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by San Francisco Gate.

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Is it becoming too difficult for small independent businesses to survive in your local community?