SANTA BARBARA – A popular and longtime retail fixture in downtown Santa Barbara, Samy’s Camera will relocate to a high-profile location on State Street in July. After ten years on the 600 block of Chapala Street, the Los Angeles-based retailer signed a long-term lease for an 11,450 SF storefront at 530 State Street. In terms of square footage, it’s the largest downtown lease by a retailer in the past three years.

“This move will place Samy’s in the heart of the retail and pedestrian corridor, next to a city parking lot and closer to Brooks Institute of Photography – all positives for their business,” broker Kristopher Roth said. He and Michael Martz of Hayes Commercial Group represented the landlord in the transaction. The tenant was represented by May Realty Advisors of Sherman Oaks.

“The building attracted strong interest and multiple offers from large-format retailers,” Martz added. “It speaks to the strength of our market and the limited availability of retail spaces of that size on State Street.” The addition of a strong electronics retailer like Samy’s Camera will be a boost to the 500 block of State Street, which is largely occupied by bars and restaurants.

The landlord is a local family that has owned the property for a very long time. They were looking for a long-term tenant that would bring positive energy to the 500 block, preferably with strong ties to the Santa Barbara community. “The owners are delighted to have signed a lease with such a well-known and well-loved store,” Roth said.

Samy’s Camera was established in 1976 in Los Angeles and has grown to seven locations in California. The company has been in Santa Barbara since 1992.