By Su Yardimci

Try Studio Shop

1148 Irving St.

Price: $-$$

Hours: Sunday-Tuesday and Thursday, noon-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon-7 p.m.

Try Studio Shop is a cozy, women-owned boutique tucked away on Irving Street at Funston Avenue in San Francisco’s Inner Sunset. Run by sisters Ari and Poy Ariyapakdee, the shop blends the feel of a curated gallery with the warmth of a neighborhood gem.

Inside, you’ll find a rotating selection of pre-loved clothing, vintage accessories, ceramics, handmade jewelry, paper goods and thoughtful gifts. The space is beautifully arranged, with an emphasis on quality, design and intention, making it feel more like a lifestyle studio than a typical thrift store.

Many love Try Studio for its welcoming vibe, affordable price points and ever-changing inventory. New items drop regularly, and the friendly staff is always happy to help you discover something special. The owners encourage neighbors to come in the shop and try something new. Whether you’re hunting for a unique gift, home decor with character or simply want to browse in a peaceful, beautifully styled setting, Try Studio is a standout stop in the Inner Sunset.

Learn more about Try Studio by reading the March feature story on the shop at RichmondSunsetNews.com.

Avenues Dry Goods

4120 Irving St.

Price: $$-$$$

Hours: Thursday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

Avenues Dry Goods is a beloved boutique located on Irving Street near 42nd Avenue in the Outer Sunset. Owned and operated by Tim Ehhalt and Eve Batey, the shop offers a thoughtful mix of locally made goods, vintage finds and everyday essentials that reflect the relaxed, creative spirit of the neighborhood.

There you’ll find a curated selection of cozy sweatshirts and tees, handcrafted candles, ceramics, skincare products, books, jewelry and homewares – many of which are sourced from Bay Area makers. There’s also a charming back room filled with pre-loved clothing, adding a vintage twist to the shop’s modern aesthetic.

What sets Avenues Dry Goods apart is its effortlessly welcoming vibe and community-focused curation. It’s the kind of store you can pop into on a foggy afternoon and leave with a new favorite sweatshirt, a hand-poured candle or a perfectly worn-in denim jacket. Everything feels intentional yet accessible, and the shop’s calm, well-designed layout makes browsing a pleasure. Whether you’re shopping for a gift, picking up something for your home, or just exploring the Outer Sunset, Avenues Dry Goods is a warm, inviting stop that captures the essence of the neighborhood.

The Kira Shop

1234 Ninth Ave.

Price: $-$$

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

The Kira Shop is a vibrant, joy-filled boutique located on Ninth Avenue near Lincoln Way in the Inner Sunset. Originally launched as Kira Kids in 2010 by founder Christine Tang, the store has since rebranded and grown into a whimsical lifestyle shop for all ages.

The space is bright and colorful, with an eclectic mix of thoughtfully curated items including cozy apparel for both kids and adults, character-themed goods like plushies and bento boxes, playful stationery, home décor and even pet accessories. It’s a space designed to spark delight and nostalgia, often described as feeling like a cheerful blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design.

The store is full of personality and charm. Many love the shop’s joyful atmosphere, warm staff and the way every item feels hand-picked with care. After experiencing a major fire in 2023, the store reopened with a refreshed look and even more energy, continuing to be a go-to destination for unique gifts and feel-good finds. Whether you’re picking up a thoughtful present, a cute sticker pack or something cozy to wear, The Kira Shop is the kind of place that makes you smile the moment you walk in.

The Kira Shop currently has a collaboration with Mochi Kids for a “made by immigrants fundraiser tee.” According to the store’s website, 20% of the sale of the shirt will be donated to Al Otro Lado, a non-profit organization providing no-cost legal and humanitarian aid for deportees, refugees and separated families in Los Angeles.

Mollusk Surf Shop

4500 Irving St.

Price: $-$$$

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Mollusk Surf Shop is a beloved, independently owned surf boutique located on Irving Street near 46th Avenue in the Outer Sunset. Founded in 2005 by John McCambridge and Johanna St. Clair, the shop has become more than just a destination for surf gear – it’s a cornerstone of the neighborhood’s creative and coastal culture.

The space has a warm, laid-back vibe with wooden fixtures, cozy rugs and quirky touches like hanging globes and handcrafted displays. Mollusk stocks a carefully curated selection of surfboards from independent shapers, high-quality wetsuits, beach-ready apparel, art books and lifestyle goods that reflect a slow-living, ocean-minded ethos.

The shop regularly hosts local art shows, surf photo exhibits and live music, making it a hub for a community of surfers, artists and creatives alike. Events like the “Heavy Water” Ocean Beach photography show bring people together and highlight the local scene, further solidifying Mollusk’s role as more than just a retail space.

Read more about the art show in last month’s Sunset Beacon or online at RichmondSunsetNews.com.

Whether you’re popping in for a new board, browsing the shop’s relaxed clothing line or just soaking in the mellow Sunset energy, Mollusk feels like a space built for both inspiration and connection. It’s not just a surf shop – it’s a cultural touchstone for the Outer Sunset and beyond.

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.