Clothing giant UNIQLO returns to downtown San Francisco with largest store on West Coast

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Long lines wrapped around the block in downtown San Francisco on Friday as hundreds of shoppers welcomed the return of Japanese clothing retailer UNIQLO, five years after it closed its original downtown location.

The company's new flagship store at 801 Market St., near Fourth Street, is its largest on the West Coast. The 20,000-square-foot, two-story location occupies the former Old Navy space and brings more than 80 jobs to an area still recovering from years of retail closures.

Some shoppers arrived hours before the doors opened at 10 a.m., eager to get their hands on clothing and merchandise exclusive to the San Francisco location.

"I got here at 9:30. Waited in a little over an hour to get in. Worth it. Totally worth it," said San Francisco resident Tyler McFadden.

McFadden was particularly excited about a new collection of Muni-themed clothing, featuring designs inspired by the city's public transit system.

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Other shoppers traveled from across the Bay Area to visit the store, which marked its opening with a free, seven-hour street festival featuring live music, family-friendly activities, the San Francisco Public Library's bookmobile and hands-on demonstrations from the Exploratorium.

UNIQLO previously operated a flagship store on Powell Street, which closed in 2021 amid the pandemic-era downturn in downtown shopping.

Its return comes as San Francisco officials work to attract retailers back to the city and fill vacant storefronts.

Our media partner, the San Francisco Standard, reports Mayor Daniel Lurie sent letters to 50 major retailers, encouraging them to consider opening stores in San Francisco. It is unclear whether UNIQLO was among the companies contacted.

Marisa Rodriguez, CEO of the Union Square Alliance, said the opening reflects growing interest among businesses in downtown San Francisco.

"What we've seen is this strong, steady momentum. San Francisco is coming back, and it's coming back strong," Rodriguez said.

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Rodriguez said her organization is in conversations with other businesses considering the neighborhood and expects additional openings over the next year.

Beyond its economic significance, UNIQLO's new flagship is also highlighting local artists, San Francisco culture and student designers.

The store features an exclusive collaboration with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, including customizable shirts and tote bags displaying vintage Muni logos, cable cars and historic transit imagery.

The store also features artwork by local artists, including fnnch and Lauren Martin.

Students from Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts participated in the opening through a partnership with UNIQLO's fashion and costume program. Senior Mingus Blanco-Norberg has one of his designs featured at the store.

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"It feels great to be appreciated for my work," Blanco-Norberg said.

The partnership extends beyond the merchandise on display. UNIQLO has also donated hundreds of returned garments and denim to the school, giving students materials to repurpose into new designs.

Alex Lunt, head of the school's Fashion and Costume Department, said students have already transformed donated clothing into original pieces, with another collaboration planned for the school's annual fashion show in April.

For San Francisco's tourism industry, the return of a major international retailer represents another opportunity to attract shoppers and visitors downtown.

"Retailers coming back. Brick and mortar is coming back," said Anna Marie Presutti, president and CEO of the San Francisco Travel Association. "Uniqlo was here, they left, and now they're back. I think that's a great indicator of what's happening to our city."

The new UNIQLO is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and until 7 p.m. Sunday, with special deals, giveaways and live performances throughout opening weekend.