By Su Yardimci

Here are some of my favorite “must-stop” retail shops:

Rotations San Francisco

Address: 57 Clement St.

Price: $-$$$

Hours: Wednesday to Friday: 2-6 p.m., Saturday: 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Monday and Tuesday by appointment only.

Rotations SF is a treasure trove of vintage clothing tucked away on Clement Street in the Inner Richmond. It is a unique store with a rotating clothing rack that showcases some of their coolest pieces. The store used to be a dry cleaner before it was converted into this shopping space. The store opened March 1, making it one of the newest on the scene in the Richmond.

It has a killer selection of handpicked pieces – from vintage green cowboy boots to a vintage Ralph Lauren sailing jacket (yes, I am still thinking about it) and local art and vinyl. This store is perfectly curated and has everything you could ever want. It’s one of those places that makes thrifting feel like a treasure hunt.

The Future Past

Address: 12 Clement St.

Price: $$-$$$

Hours: Wednesday to Saturday: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

After checking out the new selections at Rotations, hop to the other side of the block and check out The Future Past. This vintage boutique is more than just a shop. It’s also a creative studio dedicated to collecting, restoring and transforming vintage and second-hand clothing into wearable art.

Its curated collection features rare and reworked pieces, including vintage Levi’s, military coveralls and designer items, like Yves Saint Laurent silk blouses. Each garment is thoughtfully repaired or reimagined, emphasizing sustainability and craftsmanship.

Foggy Notion

Address: 124 Clement St.

Price: $-$$$

Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Continuing down Clement Street, you will find Foggy Notion, a cozy, women-owned boutique. Established in 2011 by photographer and designer Alissa Anderson, the shop began as a space to showcase her creations under the label “Mittenmaker” and has since evolved into a curated haven for handmade, eco-friendly goods.

The store offers a thoughtfully selected range of products, including organic skincare, non-toxic candles, sustainable home goods, handcrafted jewelry and vintage-inspired accessories. Many items are sourced from local artisans and independent makers, reflecting a commitment to community and sustainability. Customers often praise the inviting atmosphere and the unique, high-quality selection that makes Foggy Notion a go-to spot for gifts and personal treasures.

Park Life

Address: 220 Clement St.

Price: $-$$$

Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Park Life is a hybrid art gallery and design-forward retail shop. Since its founding in 2006 by Jamie Alexander and Derek Song, it has become a cornerstone of the local creative community, blending contemporary art, curated design objects and independent publications into a single, thoughtfully curated space.

Park Life offers a mix of limited-edition art prints, home goods, apparel and hard-to-find books on art, photography and design. The gallery hosts around 10 exhibitions annually, featuring both emerging and established artists.

Park Life is also known for its collaborations with artists like David Shrigley, Barry McGee and Tauba Auerbach, producing exclusive products ranging from zines and prints to apparel and skate decks. Additionally, it co-founded the San Francisco Art Book Fair, further cementing its role in the City’s creative scene.

Love Street Vintage

Address: 1801 Balboa St.

Price: $-$$$

Hours: Thursday to Monday: 11a.m.-6 p.m.

Moving deeper into the Richmond District, check out the beloved boutique Love Street Vintage on Balboa. Founded by Graciela Ronconi, the shop originally opened on Haight Street in 2010 and relocated to its current location in December 2020. The name “Love Street” is a reference to Haight Street, paying homage to the 1960s counterculture movement and the “Summer of Love.” The store offers a curated selection of vintage clothing and accessories spanning from the 1920s to the 1980s, with a focus on bohemian and California lifestyle pieces. Shoppers can find unique items such as vintage Levi’s in addition to indigenous and Navajo-inspired dresses and handcrafted jewelry.

Su Yardimci is a San Francisco enthusiast who has turned her childhood dream into reality. After moving to the Bay Area for college, she has been sharing her love for the City through film photography and neighborhood guides, reaching thousands on TikTok and on Instagram @andeverything__nice.