MUJI opening in SF

One of my favorite retailers MUJI is finally opening in SF this week on Friday Nov 30th. It's been a long wait, as NYC was the only US location for the longest time. I admire the clean, minimalistic aesthetic, renowned Japanese functionality and, hopefully, moderate prices. They also seem to partner with great designers like Naoto Fukasawa, who designed this iconic CD player.

How much do I like MUJI? So much, I searched out the retail store when I was in Rome last summer....and overpaid in euros for a travel pouch.

Downtown changes II

The downtown Union Square retail environment keeps changing. Given the current economy, it's not surprising that some stores remain empty (Virgin, Benetton, Shoe Pavilion, Ritz Camera). But occasionally, you see some new shops opening and thriving. Since it's all in my "backyard", I've taken notes.

A new Japanese Sweets store Minamoto Kitchoan on 648 Market. Delicious but pricey and all imported with expiration dates. Let's hope they don't get caught up in another date change scandal.

What are these alien flowers pods doing in Yerba Buena? A place to recharge your electronics and take advantage of the recent solar heatwave, brought to you by Prius.
Hubert Keller of Fleur de Lys is bringing Vegas style gourmet burgers to SF Macy's 6th floor. Burgar Bar opens soon, with great views of Union Square.
I went to Loehmann's recently to check out their discounted designer clothing, only to find they have a whole new Men's shop across the street in their old shoe store 211 Sutter. Yeah for us!
And so long to my favorite brand of runners: New Balance
Curiously, Gap is opening in the old Ann Taylor space on 240 Post. Perhaps it will be a different concept store, higher end? likely in this location.

Union Square Retail Changes

Virgin is closing but....
Diesel will be opening on Market St
Bulgari is taking over the old Gucci space
Paul Smith is opening their first SF store!

Some big changes coming to Union Square. Most are not surprised that the Virgin Megastore is closing next month, after 14 years at the corner of Market and Stockton. The one in Vancouver closed a long time ago. A loser in the new digital music world, I will be sad to see this media megastore close. I have fond memories of browsing their huge DVD selection (though rarely buying there after the internet stores became so much cheaper) and previewing new CD's. Is the retail media store concept totally dead?? It sure looks like it. A more troubling issue is WHO will rent this huge space in this economy? My dream: Japan's MUJI store, which already has retail stores in NYC.

On the bright side, it looks like there will be new stores for luxury retailer Bulgari in the old Gucci space; Diesel, which will be opening right across from Apple, and putting into question whether their current store on 101 Post will stay open; and British icon Sir Paul Smith will be opening their first SF store at 46 Geary St, only a block from John Varvatos. I think this will be only the fourth Paul Smith stand alone shop in the US (2 in NYC and one in LA), signifying Union Square as a must have location for top designers.