SFMade Opens Permanent Store for Bay Area Makers in Union Square

The nonprofit’s new shop, located at street level inside the Handlery Hotel, sells clothing, home goods, food, coffee, jewelry, prints and accessories. Its products include bags made by Rickshaw Bags, ceramic tableware and locally designed apparel. Smaller goods cost around $10, while a sculptural Sutro Tower that doubles as a clothing rack is priced at $1,300.

The year-round storefront gives local businesses a place to reach shoppers beyond SFMade’s temporary markets. Only about one-fifth of the featured makers had their own brick-and-mortar retail space before the store opened, executive director Joyce Shulman said.

The 1,049-square-foot location is intended to be both a shop and a learning hub. SFMade plans to offer retail training and workshops on pricing and sales, and its first group of 40 manufacturers is due to start a six-week program this month. The organization hopes to add about 50 more makers in the coming months.

The shop is supported by a two-year grant from JPMorgan Chase. The bank’s Tony Tolentino said local manufacturers help create jobs, strengthen neighborhoods and contribute to the local economy. The store is expected to have one full-time manager and four part-time associates.

SFMade hopes to extend its lease after receiving a discounted rate for the first year. The shop joins other retailers in a Union Square area preparing for the holiday season, while construction on the nearby Powell Street Project is expected to begin and last about a year.