Store of the Week

Yesterday I checked out a few recently-opened stores in downtown San Francisco. I was expecting to see some vacant spaces as more retailers fall victim to the slowdown in consumer spending, and there were certainly a few around, including the Gap store at Post & Kearney and Ann Taylor on Post Street. The Crocker Galleria has always had a few empty spaces, and looked like it had recently lost the Malm luggage store.

But it was great to see several new stores around Union Square. Here's a few to check out next time you're in the area:

ILORI at 238 Post St for sunglasses - they had an extensive range from the top designers.

7 for all mankind for limited edition jeans and more at 224 Grant.

Tory Burch has been open a few months at 50 Maiden Lane.

But the Store of the Week award goes to Paul Smith at Grant & Geary. This is the kind of store that will get you excited about retailing. The product is innovative, fun and cutting edge, and the presentation is inspiring. I found a review of store and an interview with Smith here.