Astrid Kane

Patrick Perez was walking home alone at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday when two men started to approach him from behind. In spite of the late hour, he didn’t feel unsafe, as a construction crew was working on O’Farrell Street.

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Patrick Perez was walking home alone at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday when two men started to approach him from behind. In spite of the late hour, he didn’t feel unsafe, as a construction crew was working on O’Farrell Street.

But as Perez got to the intersection of Post and Mason streets, the men’s conversation struck him as conspicuously loud and, his radar triggered, he put his hands in his pocket to insert his keys between his knuckles, just in case. He turned around and saw the men, one in a black hoodie and the other in a beige hoodie, each wearing a black mask. Both were a bit shorter than his 6-foot stature. They encircled him and began punching.

But as Perez got to the intersection of Post and Mason streets, the men’s conversation struck him as conspicuously loud and, his radar triggered, he put his hands in his pocket to insert his keys between his knuckles, just in case. He turned around and saw the men, one in a black hoodie and the other in a beige hoodie, each wearing a black mask. Both were a bit shorter than his 6-foot stature. They encircled him and began punching.

“I intercepted that punch with the keys and defended myself in that moment,” Perez, 41, told The Standard. “Their response after that was to bust out a gun, and they demanded to see my wallet and keys.”

“I intercepted that punch with the keys and defended myself in that moment,” Perez, 41, told The Standard. “Their response after that was to bust out a gun, and they demanded to see my wallet and keys.”

Perez handed the items over, only for his assailants to tug at his clothes and order him to give them his phone, too. At that moment, they were only one door down from Perez’s building. In his peripheral vision, he saw the gun pointed at his head—and then he heard a shot. The men took off, and he screamed for help.

Perez handed the items over, only for his assailants to tug at his clothes and order him to give them his phone, too. At that moment, they were only one door down from Perez’s building. In his peripheral vision, he saw the gun pointed at his head—and then he heard a shot. The men took off, and he screamed for help.

Perez took the bullet in his shoulder. Someone called 911, and the paramedics transported him to Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, where Perez received five liters of blood and a trauma nurse was assigned to him. His injuries were severe.

Perez took the bullet in his shoulder. Someone called 911, and the paramedics transported him to Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, where Perez received five liters of blood and a trauma nurse was assigned to him. His injuries were severe.

“In surgery, they grafted a vein from my thigh to my shoulder, because there’s an exit wound there and it was completely damaged,” Perez said from his hospital bed. “I’m not sure what that’s going to look like, in terms of recovery.”

“In surgery, they grafted a vein from my thigh to my shoulder, because there’s an exit wound there and it was completely damaged,” Perez said from his hospital bed. “I’m not sure what that’s going to look like, in terms of recovery.”

Although the loss of his phone initially meant he could not contact anyone, Perez—who is gay and goes by Patch—said he is now receiving support and care from family and friends. A crowdfunding campaign <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/get-patch-back-on-his-feet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has already exceeded its $10,000 goal</a> by more than half. He also expressed gratitude to the San Francisco Police Department officer assigned to his case.

Although the loss of his phone initially meant he could not contact anyone, Perez—who is gay and goes by Patch—said he is now receiving support and care from family and friends. A crowdfunding campaign <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/get-patch-back-on-his-feet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has already exceeded its $10,000 goal</a> by more than half. He also expressed gratitude to the San Francisco Police Department officer assigned to his case.

The officer “has surveillance from before, during and after [the attack], so we have a lot of evidence,” Perez said.&nbsp;

The officer “has surveillance from before, during and after [the attack], so we have a lot of evidence,” Perez said.&nbsp;

Reached for comment, the police confirmed that officers responded to reports of a shooting on the 500 block of Mason Street at 4:56 a.m. Saturday, April 8.

Reached for comment, the police confirmed that officers responded to reports of a shooting on the 500 block of Mason Street at 4:56 a.m. Saturday, April 8.

“Officers rendered aid and summoned medics to the scene, who transported the victim to the hospital for life-threatening injuries,” a department spokesperson told the Standard. “The preliminary investigation determined that the victim was approached by unknown males and robbed the victim at gunpoint. During the robbery, the victim was shot, and the suspects fled the scene.”&nbsp;

“Officers rendered aid and summoned medics to the scene, who transported the victim to the hospital for life-threatening injuries,” a department spokesperson told the Standard. “The preliminary investigation determined that the victim was approached by unknown males and robbed the victim at gunpoint. During the robbery, the victim was shot, and the suspects fled the scene.”&nbsp;

An avid cyclist, Perez works for the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. | Courtesy Tommie Murphy

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/02789339-.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-149063"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An avid cyclist, Perez (left) works for the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. | Courtesy Tommie Murphy</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/02789339-.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-149063"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An avid cyclist, Perez (left) works for the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. | Courtesy Tommie Murphy</figcaption></figure>

In a week marked by the late-night killing of tech executive Bob Lee and the beating of a former fire commissioner with a metal pipe, San Francisco has been consumed with talk of violent crime.&nbsp;

In a week marked by the late-night killing of tech executive Bob Lee and the beating of a former fire commissioner with a metal pipe, San Francisco has been consumed with talk of violent crime.&nbsp;

While <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/bob-lee-killing-violent-crime-wave-rate-san-francisco/">most categories of crime remain at or near historic lows</a>, lurid anecdotes tend to color people’s perceptions of public safety. For many people in the Bay Area’s LGBTQ+ communities, a sense of unease has been growing in the wake of the Colorado Springs nightclub shooting and a national reaction against LGBTQ+ visibility. Locally, queer bar owners have begun training their staff on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/i-took-an-active-shooter-seminar-for-the-lgbtq-community-defeating-anxiety-is-lesson-no-1/">what to do in the event of an active shooter</a>. In February, a gay man named Barry Miles was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/assault-outside-sf-queer-bar-hospitalizes-victim-with-heart-attack/">beaten after leaving a queer bar in SoMa</a>.

While <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/bob-lee-killing-violent-crime-wave-rate-san-francisco/">most categories of crime remain at or near historic lows</a>, lurid anecdotes tend to color people’s perceptions of public safety. For many people in the Bay Area’s LGBTQ+ communities, a sense of unease has been growing in the wake of the Colorado Springs nightclub shooting and a national reaction against LGBTQ+ visibility. Locally, queer bar owners have begun training their staff on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/i-took-an-active-shooter-seminar-for-the-lgbtq-community-defeating-anxiety-is-lesson-no-1/">what to do in the event of an active shooter</a>. In February, a gay man named Barry Miles was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/assault-outside-sf-queer-bar-hospitalizes-victim-with-heart-attack/">beaten after leaving a queer bar in SoMa</a>.

Perez believes his attack was random.

“I don’t think it was a hate crime,” he said. “I was just out walking around. Sometimes, I don’t sleep well, and occasionally, I am out and about. I was sober in that moment.”

“I don’t think it was a hate crime,” he said. “I was just out walking around. Sometimes, I don’t sleep well, and occasionally, I am out and about. I was sober in that moment.”

Perez, who only became aware of Bob Lee’s death during his stay in the hospital, has lived in the city since 2018. He’s the membership engagement manager at the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, where his staff bio mentions his love of corgis and cycling for a cause.

Perez, who only became aware of Bob Lee’s death during his stay in the hospital, has lived in the city since 2018. He’s the membership engagement manager at the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, where his staff bio mentions his love of corgis and cycling for a cause.

&#8220;Patrick is a valuable member of our staff and we are so relieved that he is doing well and taking the time that he needs to heal,&#8221; the coalition&#8217;s executive director, Janelle Wong, told The Standard. &#8220;We will continue to support him in any way that we can ,and we look forward to his continued positive contributions to our work.&#8221;

"Patrick is a valuable member of our staff and we are so relieved that he is doing well and taking the time that he needs to heal," the coalition's executive director, Janelle Wong, told The Standard. "We will continue to support him in any way that we can ,and we look forward to his continued positive contributions to our work."

&#8220;Patrick is a valuable member of our staff and we are so relieved that he is doing well and taking the time that he needs to heal,&#8221; the coalition&#8217;s executive director, Janelle Wong, told The Standard. &#8220;We will continue to support him in any way that we can ,and we look forward to his continued positive contributions to our work.&#8221;

Although Perez is not looking forward to the drawn-out emotional trauma or a trial in the event his assailants are apprehended, the episode has not soured him on San Francisco itself. He intends to stay, he said.

Although Perez is not looking forward to the drawn-out emotional trauma or a trial in the event his assailants are apprehended, the episode has not soured him on San Francisco itself. He intends to stay, he said.

“I don’t feel unsafe, even walking through Market Street at night, because I’ve never considered the community or the homeless as a threat,” he said. “I have a sense of empathy for people out there. I know they’re struggling despite what’s going on.”

“I don’t feel unsafe, even walking through Market Street at night, because I’ve never considered the community or the homeless as a threat,” he said. “I have a sense of empathy for people out there. I know they’re struggling despite what’s going on.”

SF man shot and robbed one block from his apartment

Rachel Scheier

Back in August, when the Nordstrom at the Westfield San Francisco Centre <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/27/san-francisco-nordstrom-shoppers-say-goodbye/">closed after 35 years</a>, I thought of French fries and gin martinis. They were the highlight of a holiday shopping tradition I began decades ago with an old boyfriend. We’d work our way upward on Nordstrom’s spiral escalators, from cosmetics on the ground floor up through women’s shoes, ending at The Pub, the store’s authentic English-style taproom, where shoppers could collapse with their bags into the booths.&nbsp;

Inside the downtown San Francisco Nordstrom on its last day

Back in August, when the Nordstrom at the Westfield San Francisco Centre <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/27/san-francisco-nordstrom-shoppers-say-goodbye/">closed after 35 years</a>, I thought of French fries and gin martinis. They were the highlight of a holiday shopping tradition I began decades ago with an old boyfriend. We’d work our way upward on Nordstrom’s spiral escalators, from cosmetics on the ground floor up through women’s shoes, ending at The Pub, the store’s authentic English-style taproom, where shoppers could collapse with their bags into the booths.&nbsp;

Department stores are dying; the era of dressing rooms and browsing items on the sale rack one-by-one has nearly gone the way of the girdle and the half-slip. But at their height in the mid-20th century, these retail palaces were much more than stores. Historian Jan Whitaker described them as “core institutions which reassured Americans by their very existence that life was good, that beauty mattered.”&nbsp;

Department stores are dying; the era of dressing rooms and browsing items on the sale rack one-by-one has nearly gone the way of the girdle and the half-slip. But at their height in the mid-20th century, these retail palaces were much more than stores. Historian Jan Whitaker described them as “core institutions which reassured Americans by their very existence that life was good, that beauty mattered.”&nbsp;

The City of Paris building on Union Square in 1977, after the store had shut down. The stores were once an integral part of life's milestones. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/gettyimages-1206189231.jpg?w=1664" alt="People walking in Union Square with buildings in the background." class="wp-image-235239"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The City of Paris building on Union Square in 1977, after the store had shut down. Such department stores were once an integral part of life&#8217;s milestones. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/gettyimages-1206189231.jpg?w=1664" alt="People walking in Union Square with buildings in the background." class="wp-image-235239"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The City of Paris building on Union Square in 1977, after the store had shut down. Such department stores were once an integral part of life's milestones. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/gettyimages-1206189231.jpg?w=1664" alt="People walking in Union Square with buildings in the background." class="wp-image-235239"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The City of Paris building on Union Square in 1977, after the store had shut down. Such department stores were once an integral part of life&#8217;s milestones. </figcaption></figure>

The founding idea of the one-time crown jewels of retail may have been to promote convenience for a growing middle class, but they also had soda fountains and beauty salons; they put on concerts, art galleries and fashion shows. Some were the height of elegance, in Beaux Arts buildings with chandeliers and marble floors.

The founding idea of the one-time crown jewels of retail may have been to promote convenience for a growing middle class, but they also had soda fountains and beauty salons; they put on concerts, art galleries and fashion shows. Some were the height of elegance, in Beaux Arts buildings with chandeliers and marble floors.

For San Franciscans and those nearby, “going Downtown” meant dressing up in their best, meaning jackets and ties for gentlemen and for ladies, hats and gloves, said Anne Evers Hitz, author of “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Department-Stores-Francisco-Landmarks/dp/1467140716">Lost Department Stores of San Francisco</a>.”

For San Franciscans and those nearby, “going Downtown” meant dressing up in their best, meaning jackets and ties for gentlemen and for ladies, hats and gloves, said Anne Evers Hitz, author of “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Department-Stores-Francisco-Landmarks/dp/1467140716">Lost Department Stores of San Francisco</a>.”

The stores were an integral part of marking life’s milestones. “People would talk about getting fitted for their first bra at I. Magnin, or shopping for prom dresses,” said Hitz.&nbsp;

The stores were an integral part of marking life’s milestones. “People would talk about getting fitted for their first bra at I. Magnin, or shopping for prom dresses,” said Hitz.&nbsp;

December was the month when families from around the Bay Area flocked to Union Square, and Market Street hosted opulent window displays, rooftop carnivals and parades.

December was the month when families from around the Bay Area flocked to Union Square, and Market Street hosted opulent window displays, rooftop carnivals and parades.

Here is a look back at the most memorable seasonal traditions of San Francisco’s best-loved and bygone department stores.&nbsp;

Here is a look back at the most memorable seasonal traditions of San Francisco’s best-loved and bygone department stores.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-la-ville-de-paris">La Ville de Paris</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-la-ville-de-paris">La Ville de Paris</h2>

In the middle of the 19th century, a pair of French brothers who ran a silk stocking business in France, Emile &amp; Félix Verdier, had an idea to cash in on the fast-expanding nouveau riche population of San Francisco, where Gold Rush hopefuls were pouring in. Word quickly spread among the city’s aspirational class when the brothers’ three-masted schooner, La Ville De Paris (City of Paris), arrived in the crowded San Francisco Bay laden with goods from fine laces to Cognac.&nbsp;

In the middle of the 19th century, a pair of French brothers who ran a silk stocking business in France, Emile &amp; Félix Verdier, had an idea to cash in on the fast-expanding nouveau riche population of San Francisco, where Gold Rush hopefuls were pouring in. Word quickly spread among the city’s aspirational class when the brothers’ three-masted schooner, La Ville De Paris (City of Paris), arrived in the crowded San Francisco Bay laden with goods from fine laces to Cognac.&nbsp;

San Franciscans were so excited, Hitz writes in her book, that people rowed out in small boats to be the first to sample the fine French goods. Thus the City of Paris Dry Goods Co. became one of the first big stores to open in Union Square. It reopened after the 1906 earthquake in an ornate Beaux-Arts building at Geary and Stockton streets designed in part by architects Arthur Brown and John Bakewall (designers of the War Memorial Opera House and the Veterans Building) that had a four-story rotunda topped with a stained-glass domed skylight. A 70-foot Eiffel Tower famously stood atop the store.&nbsp;&nbsp;

San Franciscans were so excited, Hitz writes in her book, that people rowed out in small boats to be the first to sample the fine French goods. Thus the City of Paris Dry Goods Co. became one of the first big stores to open in Union Square. It reopened after the 1906 earthquake in an ornate Beaux-Arts building at Geary and Stockton streets designed in part by architects Arthur Brown and John Bakewall (designers of the War Memorial Opera House and the Veterans Building) that had a four-story rotunda topped with a stained-glass domed skylight. A 70-foot Eiffel Tower famously stood atop the store.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Workers on scaffolding put finishing touches  on the huge Christmas tree in San Francisco's City of Paris on November 22, 1970. The tree would appear as if by magic on the Monday after Thanksgiving. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/gettyimages-1298949465.jpg?w=1716" alt="Two workers in front of a tall Christmas tree." class="wp-image-235232"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Workers on scaffolding put the finishing touches on the huge Christmas tree in San Francisco&#8217;s City of Paris on Nov. 22, 1970. The tree would appear as if by magic on the Monday after Thanksgiving. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/gettyimages-1298949465.jpg?w=1716" alt="Two workers in front of a tall Christmas tree." class="wp-image-235232"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Workers on scaffolding put the finishing touches on the huge Christmas tree in San Francisco's City of Paris on Nov. 22, 1970. The tree would appear as if by magic on the Monday after Thanksgiving. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/gettyimages-1298949465.jpg?w=1716" alt="Two workers in front of a tall Christmas tree." class="wp-image-235232"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Workers on scaffolding put the finishing touches on the huge Christmas tree in San Francisco&#8217;s City of Paris on Nov. 22, 1970. The tree would appear as if by magic on the Monday after Thanksgiving. </figcaption></figure>

That was the setting for a tradition that would endure until the store closed in the 1970s. City of Paris’s 35-foot Christmas tree—a Douglas fir crowned with a giant star that was trucked in from the northern reaches of the state—appeared “as if by magic” on the Monday morning after Thanksgiving.

That was the setting for a tradition that would endure until the store closed in the 1970s. City of Paris’s 35-foot Christmas tree—a Douglas fir crowned with a giant star that was trucked in from the northern reaches of the state—appeared “as if by magic” on the Monday morning after Thanksgiving.

“Traffic would be stopped on Geary as the tree was carried, wrapped tightly in burlap, into the store,” wrote Hitz, and a crew worked through the weekend decorating it with more than 5,000 glass balls, 800 yards of tinsel and countless packages of silver “rain” along with snowmen, candy canes and toys. The workers made a party out of decorating the tree, according to former employee Ken Strurmer, <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11946505/how-the-city-of-paris-department-store-once-embodied-all-things-french-for-san-franciscans">who told KQED</a> that “by one in the morning, everybody was either drunk or stoned.”

“Traffic would be stopped on Geary as the tree was carried, wrapped tightly in burlap, into the store,” wrote Hitz, and a crew worked through the weekend decorating it with more than 5,000 glass balls, 800 yards of tinsel and countless packages of silver “rain” along with snowmen, candy canes and toys. The workers made a party out of decorating the tree, according to former employee Ken Strurmer, <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11946505/how-the-city-of-paris-department-store-once-embodied-all-things-french-for-san-franciscans">who told KQED</a> that “by one in the morning, everybody was either drunk or stoned.”

In 1922, the store decided to skip the tree, importing performing bears and movie stars from France instead. The Chronicle reported that “San Franciscans revolted in a storm of protests by letter and phone.”&nbsp;

In 1922, the store decided to skip the tree, importing performing bears and movie stars from France instead. The Chronicle reported that “San Franciscans revolted in a storm of protests by letter and phone.”&nbsp;

City of Paris gradually befell hard times, as women entered the workforce and global chains and discount retailers replaced the leisurely shopping experience of the grand old department stores. A years-long preservation battle followed the closure of City of Paris in 1972. Eventually, despite widespread public objection, the store was torn down in 1981 to make way for Texas-based retail chain Neiman Marcus, whose lawyer was future mayor Willie Brown.&nbsp;

City of Paris gradually befell hard times, as women entered the workforce and global chains and discount retailers replaced the leisurely shopping experience of the grand old department stores. A years-long preservation battle followed the closure of City of Paris in 1972. Eventually, despite widespread public objection, the store was torn down in 1981 to make way for Texas-based retail chain Neiman Marcus, whose lawyer was future mayor Willie Brown.&nbsp;

The retailer kept the rotunda and pledged to preserve the tradition of the Christmas tree, but it “never seemed to get the tree part right,” wrote Peter Hartlaub of The Chronicle. “They started with a fake tree filled with bearded old men that frightened children, before moving on to modern Duran Duran-looking decorations later in the 1980s.”

The retailer kept the rotunda and pledged to preserve the tradition of the Christmas tree, but it “never seemed to get the tree part right,” wrote Peter Hartlaub of The Chronicle. “They started with a fake tree filled with bearded old men that frightened children, before moving on to modern Duran Duran-looking decorations later in the 1980s.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-santa-claus-is-coming-to-town">Santa Claus is Coming to Town</h2>

If you grew up in the Bay Area before the 1990s, chances are you remember the Big E, as the Emporium was known in its last decades.&nbsp;

If you grew up in the Bay Area before the 1990s, chances are you remember the Big E, as the Emporium was known in its last decades.&nbsp;

Despite the general wisdom of the late 1800s—which was that any store on the south side of Market Street was doomed to fail—German merchant F.W. Dohrmann opened the Emporium in 1896 with the idea that a store with separate departments in one building and “luxurious amenities” such as a attractive restrooms, appealing decor and extras like a tearoom and band concerts on Saturday night would appeal to the middle class, wrote Hitz, who is Dohrmann’s great-great granddaughter.

Despite the general wisdom of the late 1800s—which was that any store on the south side of Market Street was doomed to fail—German merchant F.W. Dohrmann opened the Emporium in 1896 with the idea that a store with separate departments in one building and “luxurious amenities” such as a attractive restrooms, appealing decor and extras like a tearoom and band concerts on Saturday night would appeal to the middle class, wrote Hitz, who is Dohrmann’s great-great granddaughter.

While the elegant stores of Union Square aimed at a wealthy clientele, working-class residents embraced the Emporium. The store’s ads in the early 20th century boasted that the store sold “everything that man, woman or child can eat, wear or use in their houses.”&nbsp;

While the elegant stores of Union Square aimed at a wealthy clientele, working-class residents embraced the Emporium. The store’s ads in the early 20th century boasted that the store sold “everything that man, woman or child can eat, wear or use in their houses.”&nbsp;

Santa Claus arrives by cable car at the Emporium in downtown San Francisco on October 29, 1949. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/inlined11_20231215lostdepartmentstoresxmas.jpg?w=2500" alt="Santa Claus arrives by cable car at the Emporium in downtown San Francisco" class="wp-image-235007"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Santa Claus arrives by cable car at the Emporium in Downtown San Francisco on Oct. 29, 1949. A generation of Bay Area kids lived year-round for the store&#8217;s Christmas festivities. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/inlined11_20231215lostdepartmentstoresxmas.jpg?w=2500" alt="Santa Claus arrives by cable car at the Emporium in downtown San Francisco" class="wp-image-235007"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Santa Claus arrives by cable car at the Emporium in Downtown San Francisco on Oct. 29, 1949. A generation of Bay Area kids lived year-round for the store's Christmas festivities. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/inlined11_20231215lostdepartmentstoresxmas.jpg?w=2500" alt="Santa Claus arrives by cable car at the Emporium in downtown San Francisco" class="wp-image-235007"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Santa Claus arrives by cable car at the Emporium in Downtown San Francisco on Oct. 29, 1949. A generation of Bay Area kids lived year-round for the store&#8217;s Christmas festivities. </figcaption></figure>

But the store is best remembered for its Christmas festivities. Families in the Bay Area and beyond who visited San Francisco just once a year timed their annual trip into the city so their kids could visit Santa at the Downtown Emporium and take part in the rooftop carnival, which began in 1947. It even had a Ferris wheel, a carousel and a giant slide.&nbsp;

But the store is best remembered for its Christmas festivities. Families in the Bay Area and beyond who visited San Francisco just once a year timed their annual trip into the city so their kids could visit Santa at the Downtown Emporium and take part in the rooftop carnival, which began in 1947. It even had a Ferris wheel, a carousel and a giant slide.&nbsp;

“It was go get your picture taken with Santa, get your caramel corn,” remembered David Phillips, a retired gymnastics coach who grew up in the South Bay and lives in North Berkeley. “From there we’d go to Gump’s and get the ornaments and then to Blum’s, which had the candy and the cake.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It was go get your picture taken with Santa, get your caramel corn,” remembered David Phillips, a retired gymnastics coach who grew up in the South Bay and lives in North Berkeley. “From there we’d go to Gump’s and get the ornaments and then to Blum’s, which had the candy and the cake.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The arrival of the Emporium Santa—in a horse and carriage in the early years or a cable car “Santa-Cade” in the 1940s and ’50s—was an event akin to a World Series victory parade. Tens of thousands packed the streets for the event, which from the 1930s onward featured an attraction to top the previous year, from 5,000 helium balloons one year to a parade of marchers led by a baby elephant and “assorted drummers and buglers” in 1966, according to contemporaneous accounts from the San Francisco Chronicle.&nbsp;

The arrival of the Emporium Santa—in a horse and carriage in the early years or a cable car “Santa-Cade” in the 1940s and ’50s—was an event akin to a World Series victory parade. Tens of thousands packed the streets for the event, which from the 1930s onward featured an attraction to top the previous year, from 5,000 helium balloons one year to a parade of marchers led by a baby elephant and “assorted drummers and buglers” in 1966, according to contemporaneous accounts from the San Francisco Chronicle.&nbsp;

Former San Francisco Supervisor Angela Alioto told the paper in 1995: “When I was a child, I thought Santa Claus lived on the roof of the Emporium.”&nbsp;

Former San Francisco Supervisor Angela Alioto told the paper in 1995: “When I was a child, I thought Santa Claus lived on the roof of the Emporium.”&nbsp;

Santa Claus arrives by cable car at the Emporium in downtown San Francisco on Oct. 29, 1950.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/inlined08_20231215lostdepartmentstoresxmas.jpg?w=2500" alt="Santa Claus arrives by cable car at the Emporium in downtown San Francisco on Oct. 29, 1950." class="wp-image-235004"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Crowds await the arrival of Santa Claus at the Emporium in Downtown San Francisco on Oct. 29, 1950. The event was akin to a World Series victory parade. </figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-greatest-show-in-town">The ‘Greatest Show in Town’</h2>

Many San Franciscans of a certain age remember Gump’s, the fabled San Francisco home furnishings brand, by its longtime marketing tagline: “Good taste costs no more.” Known since it opened in 1861 for its Asian and other carefully selected goods from around the world, it developed a reputation as the place to go for elegant tableware and china, and it had an entire room devoted to Baccarat crystal. The store began as a frame and mirror shop, specializing in gilding ornate wooden picture frames in gold. For much of the 20th century, Hitz notes, women of a certain social class who got engaged were assumed to be registered for gifts at Gump’s.&nbsp;

Many San Franciscans of a certain age remember Gump’s, the fabled San Francisco home furnishings brand, by its longtime marketing tagline: “Good taste costs no more.” Known since it opened in 1861 for its Asian and other carefully selected goods from around the world, it developed a reputation as the place to go for elegant tableware and china, and it had an entire room devoted to Baccarat crystal. The store began as a frame and mirror shop, specializing in gilding ornate wooden picture frames in gold. For much of the 20th century, Hitz notes, women of a certain social class who got engaged were assumed to be registered for gifts at Gump’s.&nbsp;

In 1966, the iconic <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/oursf/article/Herb-Caen-Hitchcock-and-the-war-with-the-Union-12849325.php">Chronicle columnist Herb Caen</a> wrote that “The city waits for Gump’s Christmas windows each season the way it waits for S.F. Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker.’”

In 1966, the iconic <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/oursf/article/Herb-Caen-Hitchcock-and-the-war-with-the-Union-12849325.php">Chronicle columnist Herb Caen</a> wrote that “The city waits for Gump’s Christmas windows each season the way it waits for S.F. Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker.’”

Jane Winter and Evelyn Hakala standing next to a mink skin Christmas tree at I. Magnin in San Francisco on Nov. 23, 1953. The store was known for its elegant clientele. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/inlined15_20231215lostdepartmentstoresxmas.jpg?w=910" alt="Two women stand next to a mink skin Christmas tree." class="wp-image-235011"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jane Winter and Evelyn Hakala stand next to a mink-skin Christmas tree at I. Magnin in San Francisco on Nov. 23, 1953. The store was known for its elegant clientele. </figcaption></figure>

In the 1980s, Gump’s hired six workers and spent an estimated $100,000 to arrange eight glass-enclosed chambers facing Post Street with scenes of falling snow and Japanese dolls. But the most popular display of all came in 1987, when the store featured adoptable puppies and kittens from the SPCA, a tradition that has been famously carried on by Macy’s.&nbsp;

In the 1980s, Gump’s hired six workers and spent an estimated $100,000 to arrange eight glass-enclosed chambers facing Post Street with scenes of falling snow and Japanese dolls. But the most popular display of all came in 1987, when the store featured adoptable puppies and kittens from the SPCA, a tradition that has been famously carried on by Macy’s.&nbsp;

Starting in the 1960s, the retail stores around Union Square began decorating their windows for the holiday season, with stores such as I. Magnin and Macy’s competing for the most elegant and creative display.

Starting in the 1960s, the retail stores around Union Square began decorating their windows for the holiday season, with stores such as I. Magnin and Macy’s competing for the most elegant and creative display.

In 2018, Gump’s filed for bankruptcy. It reopened the following year under a new owner, but the proprietor has said that Gump’s future is uncertain, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/14/gumps-owner-slams-san-francisco-in-letter-downtown-crime-homeless/">citing well-publicized problems</a> such as homelessness, drug abuse and crime in and around Union Square.&nbsp;

Gump&#8217;s owner slams San Francisco leaders, Newsom over downtown conditions

In 2018, Gump’s filed for bankruptcy. It reopened the following year under a new owner, but the proprietor has said that Gump’s future is uncertain, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/14/gumps-owner-slams-san-francisco-in-letter-downtown-crime-homeless/">citing well-publicized problems</a> such as homelessness, drug abuse and crime in and around Union Square.&nbsp;

The City of Paris department store in San Francisco getting demolished in August of 1980, despite an outpouring of protest by the public. Neiman Marcus opened there two years later. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/gettyimages-1268499495.jpg?w=2161" alt="A building being destroyed." class="wp-image-235240"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The City of Paris department store in San Francisco was demolished in August 1980, despite an outpouring of protest by the public. Neiman Marcus opened there two years later. </figcaption></figure>

Stores like Gump’s and I. Magnin—which had a fur vault and a gown salon manned by cold-eyed saleswomen with tape measures—were also known for their distinctive wrapping. The most cutting edge of these were holiday boxes made by Joseph Magnin, the specialty store at Stockton and O’Farrell streets founded by the second generation of the San Francisco department store dynasty.&nbsp;

Stores like Gump’s and I. Magnin—which had a fur vault and a gown salon manned by cold-eyed saleswomen with tape measures—were also known for their distinctive wrapping. The most cutting edge of these were holiday boxes made by Joseph Magnin, the specialty store at Stockton and O’Farrell streets founded by the second generation of the San Francisco department store dynasty.&nbsp;

JM, as people called it, became a force in the retail world in the 1960s thanks to its innovative marketing aimed at younger, working women. The Christmas boxes, designed with edgy, colorful graphics, featured non-traditional images of everything from pyramids to a gingerbread toy land village.

JM, as people called it, became a force in the retail world in the 1960s thanks to its innovative marketing aimed at younger, working women. The Christmas boxes, designed with edgy, colorful graphics, featured non-traditional images of everything from pyramids to a gingerbread toy land village.

Some of them became collector’s items. Hitz wrote that a two-piece apparel box resembling a picnic basket titled “Christmas-dipity,” won a Gold Award in 1966 from the Folding Paper Box Association of America.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Some of them became collector’s items. Hitz wrote that a two-piece apparel box resembling a picnic basket titled “Christmas-dipity,” won a Gold Award in 1966 from the Folding Paper Box Association of America.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Joseph Magnin closed its doors back in 1984.&nbsp;

Joseph Magnin closed its doors back in 1984.&nbsp;

I. Magnin followed a little over a decade later, and its signature 1948 white marble building designed by San Francisco architect Timothy Pflueger now houses the French luxury goods brand Louis Vuitton.

I. Magnin followed a little over a decade later, and its signature 1948 white marble building designed by San Francisco architect Timothy Pflueger now houses the French luxury goods brand Louis Vuitton.

Once upon a time, San Francisco department stores were the highlight of Christmas

Julie Zigoris

The interior of Downtown San Francisco’s Brunello Cucinelli—the designer fashion brand favored by tech moguls <a href="https://www.gq.com/story/brunello-cucinelli-jeff-bezos-solomeo-summit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jeff Bezos </a>and <a href="https://www.wmagazine.com/story/mark-zuckerberg-facebook-brunello-cucinelli-t-shirt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Zuckerberg</a>—is a soothing palette of taupes and creams, neutral hues that signify <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/12/jackson-square-thrives-on-quiet-luxury/">understated luxury</a> without gaudy logos.&nbsp;

Next door to San Francisco&#8217;s flailing downtown, this neighborhood thrives on &#8216;quiet luxury&#8217;

The interior of Downtown San Francisco’s Brunello Cucinelli—the designer fashion brand favored by tech moguls <a href="https://www.gq.com/story/brunello-cucinelli-jeff-bezos-solomeo-summit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jeff Bezos </a>and <a href="https://www.wmagazine.com/story/mark-zuckerberg-facebook-brunello-cucinelli-t-shirt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Zuckerberg</a>—is a soothing palette of taupes and creams, neutral hues that signify <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/12/jackson-square-thrives-on-quiet-luxury/">understated luxury</a> without gaudy logos.&nbsp;

The basic gray Cucinelli T-shirts preferred by the Facebook founder start at upward of $300, while a “tropical” <a href="https://shop.brunellocucinelli.com/en-us/women/ready-to-wear/dresses-jumpsuits/wool-jumpsuit-232M0W07EX469.html?_gl=1*1qpbxib*_up*MQ..&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw_5unBhCMARIsACZyzS31l1akadVxdVzbV8CFWvUuBUjImQn0Ybf_-62oScYOzeUeOv0xJroaAsLBEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wool jumpsuit</a> will set you back nearly $7,000.

The basic gray Cucinelli T-shirts preferred by the Facebook founder start at upward of $300, while a “tropical” <a href="https://shop.brunellocucinelli.com/en-us/women/ready-to-wear/dresses-jumpsuits/wool-jumpsuit-232M0W07EX469.html?_gl=1*1qpbxib*_up*MQ..&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw_5unBhCMARIsACZyzS31l1akadVxdVzbV8CFWvUuBUjImQn0Ybf_-62oScYOzeUeOv0xJroaAsLBEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wool jumpsuit</a> will set you back nearly $7,000.

In 2021, as more down-to-earth retailers such as Marshalls, Uniqlo and DSW fled the Union Square area, the Cucinelli outpost quietly doubled, adding 2,686 square feet. The expansion allowed for the addition of an in-store bar to entertain VICs: Very Important Clients. On a recent Wednesday, the bar was topped with glass carafes of nuts, and a nearby coffee table held silver-wrapped Baci chocolates.&nbsp;

In 2021, as more down-to-earth retailers such as Marshalls, Uniqlo and DSW fled the Union Square area, the Cucinelli outpost quietly doubled, adding 2,686 square feet. The expansion allowed for the addition of an in-store bar to entertain VICs: Very Important Clients. On a recent Wednesday, the bar was topped with glass carafes of nuts, and a nearby coffee table held silver-wrapped Baci chocolates.&nbsp;

“We’ll deliver that to the Four Seasons,” a sales associate could be overheard assuring a client in the next room.&nbsp;

“We’ll deliver that to the Four Seasons,” a sales associate could be overheard assuring a client in the next room.&nbsp;

Concerns about crime and declining foot traffic in recent years have spurred a mass exodus of stores from the area around Union Square, San Francisco’s best-known shopping district. Downtown retailers from Anthropologie to Crate and Barrel to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/02/nordstrom-to-shutter-both-san-francisco-downtown-stores-citing-deteriorating-conditions-report/">Nordstrom</a> have shut their doors. The area has <a href="https://www.avisonyoung.us/documents/92610/193511993/Bay+Area+Retail_Quarterly+report+-+Q2+2023+FINAL++-++Read-Only.pdf/fcefd47a-b945-e5d0-4f02-1367075b71cd?t=1690912962775" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quadruple the retail vacancy rate</a> of San Francisco overall.

Nordstrom to shutter both downtown San Francisco stores, citing difficult conditions

Concerns about crime and declining foot traffic in recent years have spurred a mass exodus of stores from the area around Union Square, San Francisco’s best-known shopping district. Downtown retailers from Anthropologie to Crate and Barrel to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/02/nordstrom-to-shutter-both-san-francisco-downtown-stores-citing-deteriorating-conditions-report/">Nordstrom</a> have shut their doors. The area has <a href="https://www.avisonyoung.us/documents/92610/193511993/Bay+Area+Retail_Quarterly+report+-+Q2+2023+FINAL++-++Read-Only.pdf/fcefd47a-b945-e5d0-4f02-1367075b71cd?t=1690912962775" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quadruple the retail vacancy rate</a> of San Francisco overall.

A “Luxury retail for lease” sign on the window of a closed La Perla store on Geary Street, in San Francisco on Friday, August 18, 2023. With many businesses shuttering and stuck in SF’s “doom loop,” luxury stores have continued to open and expand in Downtown San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/LuxuryDowntown08152023_13.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-195627"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pedestrians pass a vacant storefront next to La Perla on Geary Street in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

But it’s a different story for the luxury sector.

But it’s a different story for the luxury sector.

A handful of high-end brands aren’t just holding on in Downtown—they are expanding. Along with luxury brands, services and restaurants that cater to a clientele with deep pockets are also opening for business.&nbsp;

A handful of high-end brands aren’t just holding on in Downtown—they are expanding. Along with luxury brands, services and restaurants that cater to a clientele with deep pockets are also opening for business.&nbsp;

It’s not only Brunello Cucinelli widening its suede <a href="https://shop.brunellocucinelli.com/en-us/men/accessories/belts/suede-calfskin-belt-232MAUIE253.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">calfskin</a> belt. In early 2022, French fashion house Yves Saint Laurent moved into a three-level 12,323-square-foot store in the historic I. Magnin &amp; Co. building on the corner of Grant Avenue. The expansion came despite a string of <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/philmatier/article/Thieves-raid-Yves-Saint-Laurent-Union-Square-15726728.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grab-and-run robberies</a> in which thieves made off with $54,000 worth of high-end purses.&nbsp;

It’s not only Brunello Cucinelli widening its suede <a href="https://shop.brunellocucinelli.com/en-us/men/accessories/belts/suede-calfskin-belt-232MAUIE253.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">calfskin</a> belt. In early 2022, French fashion house Yves Saint Laurent moved into a three-level 12,323-square-foot store in the historic I. Magnin &amp; Co. building on the corner of Grant Avenue. The expansion came despite a string of <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/philmatier/article/Thieves-raid-Yves-Saint-Laurent-Union-Square-15726728.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grab-and-run robberies</a> in which thieves made off with $54,000 worth of high-end purses.&nbsp;

Last summer, luxury Milan-based fashion house Bottega Veneta <a href="https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/bottega-veneta-san-fransico-store-1235243236/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expanded its Maiden Lane</a> store, creating a more prominent entrance on Geary Street. Now 3,355 square feet, the space features concrete floors, hand-knotted merino carpet and leafy plants in vessels made by the prominent Chicago sculptor Anders Ruhwald.

Last summer, luxury Milan-based fashion house Bottega Veneta <a href="https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/bottega-veneta-san-fransico-store-1235243236/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expanded its Maiden Lane</a> store, creating a more prominent entrance on Geary Street. Now 3,355 square feet, the space features concrete floors, hand-knotted merino carpet and leafy plants in vessels made by the prominent Chicago sculptor Anders Ruhwald.

Luxury retail—and luxury services—are more resilient to economic downturns than mass-market brands because wealthy customers are insulated from those ups and downs, said Neil Saunders, a retail analyst for GlobalData.&nbsp;

Luxury retail—and luxury services—are more resilient to economic downturns than mass-market brands because wealthy customers are insulated from those ups and downs, said Neil Saunders, a retail analyst for GlobalData.&nbsp;

That resilience ties into the experience of luxury shopping itself, one that is very different from the harried experience of picking up T-shirts at Old Navy or housewares at Target.&nbsp;

That resilience ties into the experience of luxury shopping itself, one that is very different from the harried experience of picking up T-shirts at Old Navy or housewares at Target.&nbsp;

“Luxury brands want to be a destination, a place to discover and be entertained and engage with the brand,” Saunders said, adding that more square footage helps to make spaces “more dramatic.”&nbsp;

“Luxury brands want to be a destination, a place to discover and be entertained and engage with the brand,” Saunders said, adding that more square footage helps to make spaces “more dramatic.”&nbsp;

Jewelry in the window of Bvlgari in Union Square in San Francisco on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Downtown San Francisco has a number of retail stores and businesses that are catering to shoppers that are interested in high-end and luxury items.
 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/LuxuryDowntown08152023_OPTIONS07.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-194738"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jewelry is displayed in the window of Bulgari in Union Square in San Francisco on May 13. </figcaption></figure>

Celebrities and other VICs get perks like special events, holiday gifts and invites to fashion shows—not to mention drinks and snacks while shopping.&nbsp;

Celebrities and other VICs get perks like special events, holiday gifts and invites to fashion shows—not to mention drinks and snacks while shopping.&nbsp;

“The experience of luxury stores is about treating the customer well,” Saunders said. “If you’re spending a lot of money, you’ll be well looked after.”&nbsp;

“The experience of luxury stores is about treating the customer well,” Saunders said. “If you’re spending a lot of money, you’ll be well looked after.”&nbsp;

That’s presumably what the iconic French fashion house <a href="https://wealthx.com/reports/billionaire-census-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chanel had in mind when it paid $63 million in December 2021</a> for the three-story building formerly occupied by Williams Sonoma at 340 Post St. The purchase reflects San Francisco’s relatively high concentration of extreme wealth: It’s home to <a href="https://wealthx.com/reports/billionaire-census-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the third-highest number of billionaires</a> of any city in the world.

That’s presumably what the iconic French fashion house <a href="https://wealthx.com/reports/billionaire-census-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chanel had in mind when it paid $63 million in December 2021</a> for the three-story building formerly occupied by Williams Sonoma at 340 Post St. The purchase reflects San Francisco’s relatively high concentration of extreme wealth: It’s home to <a href="https://wealthx.com/reports/billionaire-census-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the third-highest number of billionaires</a> of any city in the world.

Chanel has taken a similar approach to ultra-valuable retail in other markets where it has a presence. In 2015, the company snapped up an 11,500-square-foot building at 400 N. Rodeo Drive in LA for a record $152 million. The year before, the company had also <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/whats-the-deal-in-commercial-property-1393817110" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">purchased</a> a nearly 4,000-square-foot retail space on New York’s Madison Avenue—widely regarded as the most valuable retail market in the U.S., if not the world—for $123.8 million.

Chanel has taken a similar approach to ultra-valuable retail in other markets where it has a presence. In 2015, the company snapped up an 11,500-square-foot building at 400 N. Rodeo Drive in LA for a record $152 million. The year before, the company had also <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/whats-the-deal-in-commercial-property-1393817110" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">purchased</a> a nearly 4,000-square-foot retail space on New York’s Madison Avenue—widely regarded as the most valuable retail market in the U.S., if not the world—for $123.8 million.

Representatives for luxury brands declined to comment for the Standard on their real estate purchases or long-term strategies.&nbsp;

Representatives for luxury brands declined to comment for the Standard on their real estate purchases or long-term strategies.&nbsp;

There are other signs that retailers catering to the ultra-wealthy are taking advantage of the rare availability of real estate in Downtown San Francisco.

There are other signs that retailers catering to the ultra-wealthy are taking advantage of the rare availability of real estate in Downtown San Francisco.

“For the majority of my career, the market has been so tight retailers can’t find the space they’re looking for,” said Colliers broker Julie Taylor, who has worked in commercial real estate since 1989. “It’s a really good time for retailers to make a land grab.”&nbsp;

“For the majority of my career, the market has been so tight retailers can’t find the space they’re looking for,” said Colliers broker Julie Taylor, who has worked in commercial real estate since 1989. “It’s a really good time for retailers to make a land grab.”&nbsp;

Taylor has seen the trend of high-end retail investing in Union Square—a long-established pattern—accelerate since the pandemic.&nbsp;

Taylor has seen the trend of high-end retail investing in Union Square—a long-established pattern—accelerate since the pandemic.&nbsp;

“Luxury retail is doubling down on its presence in Union Square,” she said.&nbsp;

“Luxury retail is doubling down on its presence in Union Square,” she said.&nbsp;

The Hermes store on Grant Street in San Francisco on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Downtown San Francisco has a number of retail stores and businesses that are catering to shoppers that are interested in high-end and luxury items.
 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/LuxuryDowntown08152023_OPTIONS16.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-194747"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shoppers and employees stand inside the Hermes store on Grant Street.</figcaption></figure>

Other retailers slightly down the food chain are seeking to piggyback on the enduring strength of luxury brands. Banana Republic—the San Francisco-based business-casual clothing brand that saw its net sales drop 47% in the first quarter of the pandemic—closed its Westfield San Francisco Centre outlet earlier this year. Now, it’s <a href="https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/articles/2023/01/br-announces-new-flagship-on-san-francisco-s-geary" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reopening its flagship</a> store next to Chanel on Geary in an effort to <a href="https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/articles/2023/01/br-announces-new-flagship-on-san-francisco-s-geary" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reposition itself</a> as a “premium lifestyle brand.”&nbsp;

Other retailers slightly down the food chain are seeking to piggyback on the enduring strength of luxury brands. Banana Republic—the San Francisco-based business-casual clothing brand that saw its net sales drop 47% in the first quarter of the pandemic—closed its Westfield San Francisco Centre outlet earlier this year. Now, it’s <a href="https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/articles/2023/01/br-announces-new-flagship-on-san-francisco-s-geary" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reopening its flagship</a> store next to Chanel on Geary in an effort to <a href="https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/articles/2023/01/br-announces-new-flagship-on-san-francisco-s-geary" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reposition itself</a> as a “premium lifestyle brand.”&nbsp;

“They pounced upon an opportunity to spotlight and elevate their brand,” Taylor said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“They pounced upon an opportunity to spotlight and elevate their brand,” Taylor said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A similar dynamic is at play with the proliferation of high-end watch and jewelry stores around Union Square. In November 2021, Swiss watch seller Omega <a href="https://cpp-luxury.com/omega-opens-new-boutique-in-san-francisco-at-union-square/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">opened a flagship</a> outlet at 103 Geary St., near Hermès and Dolce &amp; Gabbana. Luxury French jewelry brand Van Cleef &amp; Arpels snatched up a lease in 2022, also on Geary.

A similar dynamic is at play with the proliferation of high-end watch and jewelry stores around Union Square. In November 2021, Swiss watch seller Omega <a href="https://cpp-luxury.com/omega-opens-new-boutique-in-san-francisco-at-union-square/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">opened a flagship</a> outlet at 103 Geary St., near Hermès and Dolce &amp; Gabbana. Luxury French jewelry brand Van Cleef &amp; Arpels snatched up a lease in 2022, also on Geary.

Soon, there will be not one but three luxury watch stores to choose from on Post Street after Eric Mendell, the co-owner of Burlingame-based Kerns Fine Jewelry, leased two storefronts at 255 and 259 Post St. to sell Rolex and Patek Philippe watches starting in 2024. Breitling, another high-end timepiece purveyor, is opening in the former Johnston &amp; Murphy space, also on Post Street.&nbsp;

Soon, there will be not one but three luxury watch stores to choose from on Post Street after Eric Mendell, the co-owner of Burlingame-based Kerns Fine Jewelry, leased two storefronts at 255 and 259 Post St. to sell Rolex and Patek Philippe watches starting in 2024. Breitling, another high-end timepiece purveyor, is opening in the former Johnston &amp; Murphy space, also on Post Street.&nbsp;

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