Shopping Centers & Malls in Los Gatos, CA

“I grew up in Los Gatos. I remember when Old Town first opened as a retail enterprise in 1967. All the shops were run by local artisans. There were leather workers, candle makers, things like that. The place exuded a hippy vibe.

It became very successful. I expect that the rents went up because the next thing we knew, the artisan shops began to disappear. Major-- and expensive--retail shops and restaurants moved in.

I went to Old Town today. There were maybe a dozen shops and restaurants that I could find. (They were all upstairs. The downstairs was deserted.) They were all lovely, but the offerings seemed thin.

The owner says, "Old Town is a lifestyle shopping destination anchored by Sephora,
Anthropologie, Banana Republic, Gap, Sur La Table, Blue Bottle Coffee and three up-scale restaurants." Unfortunately, that's not accurate. Banana Republic, Gap, and Sur La Table are permanently closed. Blue Bottle Coffee is across the street from what I consider Old Town. Has Los Gatos designated a larger district to have that name?

Here's a thought. Reopen the lower level to local artisans, maybe through a cooperative that could qualify for grants. Bring back the local color, the local experience. Urge people to buy local! Bring back the fun!”

“Convenience is the winner here. Do I wish I had a super sized Whole Foods next to me? Yes, but all I have is this one, so it is small yet conveniently close. I really wish they would expand this store. Also, the pizza counter is always a little chaotic. Yes their pizzas are a great deal. But I don't think the space was designed to accommodate making so many pizzas. They don't even have enough counter space to cut the pizzas comfortably.Update: I heard they are moving down the road in late 2023/early 2024 and the new building will be much bigger.”

“We used to shop here all the time when we lived in the South Bay. Good selection of most everything, but the bakery is probably the best department. Great cakes, pies and pastries - and their fruit tarts and burnt almond cakes are fantastic. Good wine/liquor department as well.”

“My local strip mall, has a quality Safeway with friendly workers as well as a CVS and Pharmacy, a liquor store, a donut shop, an ice cream shop, a Mexican restaurant, a Round Table Pizza, a dog groomer, an art studio for kids, and a few other stores. Nothing special but would absolutely recommend if you live nearby.”