Annapurna, a renowned head shop in Berkeley, California, has officially closed after more than 50 years, a decision announced by owner Al Geyer on February 2, 2024. Following an eviction notice received in January and the sale of the building for $15 million to The Berkeley Group, Geyer's push to maintain the shop's legacy reflects its significance in the local culture. Founded in 1972, Annapurna was a hub of alternative culture, and Geyer actively participated in community initiatives to keep Telegraph Avenue's spirit alive, distinguishing the shop from more modern smoke shops.
Geyer was also heavily involved in community affairs and founded the New Telegraph Merchants Association with Amoeba Records co-founder Marc Weinstein in the early 2000s.
Annapurna was central to the alternative culture world on Telegraph, Weinstein told Berkeleyside in 2023. There are still a lot of smoke shops around, but they don't have that association.
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