By Shannon Atlas

San Francisco has always been a city known for thrifting, but it is only recently that the Outer Richmond block of Balboa Street between 19th and 20th avenues has become a vintage shopping destination.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Graciela Ronconi, the owner of Love Street Vintage, relocated her popular Haight Street shop to 1801 Balboa St., in December of 2020. As a longtime Richmond District resident, Ronconi felt the “neighborhood was starving for a fun business.” While the block was quiet at first, new businesses started to move in, such as Wood Goods and Hot Sauce in 2021, and the popular Nob Hill coffee shop, Coffee Movement in 2022. These retail businesses brought foot traffic and paved the way for additional stores to open nearby.

In September 2024, Richmond resident Ashley Von Edge went on a trip to Brazil with her family, taking a break from working at the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. She had never owned her own business but said she had always been a thrifter and loved talking to people, noticing their funky outfits. She also said she enjoyed the process of looking for unique pieces and finding good deals. While in Brazil, Von Edge started to think about having a different career, where she could make her own rules.

At first, Von Edge sold vintage items at flea markets in San Francisco, such as the Inner Sunset’s Secondhand Saturdays and the Inner Sunset Flea Market. She enjoyed meeting people where they were at, but found the process of loading up her wares, setting up and tearing down her stand to not be the best long-term fit.

While shopping one day at Love Street Vintage, Von Edge met Ronconi and noticed that there was a “for rent” sign across the street from Ronconi’s store.

Uncommon SF, another vintage shop, had also opened on the block in the summer of 2024. Given the unique landscape of the block, Von Edge decided to contact the landlord and subsequently started making plans to open her own vintage store in August 2025.

“Having a connection to the neighborhood – and living seven blocks from the store – made it an easy decision,” Von Edge said. “I wanted a business that was close to home and something that would bring me joy. I love the connection I have with my neighborhood and customers. It’s a space where people of all ages can come in and feel comfortable. Kids can play with toys in the store and the prices are accessible.”

Before opening Tight Knit Vintage & Modern, Von Edge introduced herself to the other vintage store owners on the block and made sure to differentiate her shop. Love Street Vintage is known for having a Boho California vibe (a Joni Mitchell and Laurel Canyon aesthetic.). It sells clothing like leather goods and denim from the ’60s and ’70s, ’49er jackets, Chanel purses and Native American jewelry.

Uncommon SF is minimalistic and curated with a hip feel and community focus.

“I can’t speak highly enough of my neighbors. Both have such a good eye,” said Von Edge.

Tight Knight Vintage & Modern carries a curation of older styles items alongside modern pieces and children’s clothes. Bestsellers include items with color, texture and pattern and T-shirts with graphics from the ’80s and ’90s.

Von Edge said a recent pair of green suede knee-high boots sold as soon as they were displayed in-store. Inventory is all sourced by Von Edge or through donations where customers can get a 15% store discount.

Since opening last year, Von Edge has built a loyal customer base of many Richmond residents who love to come in to find a unique gift or a piece of clothing that allows them to express their personal style.

Unfortunately, the business experienced a setback at the end of last year when heavy precipitation caused water damage, necessitating a temporary closure to refinish the floors and repair the damage. While the store closure was hard, it also gave Von Edge some time to think about the reopening as an opportunity to work more on the store’s online presence and hours of operation.

“During the store’s closure, I realized how much I love the shop,” Von Edge said. The closure reinvigorated my intention to expand the word and market the store more. I was also able to take a step back and realize that the health and vitality of the business is progressing.”

The closure reaffirmed for Von Edge that keeping prices affordable was important. With the reopening on March 28, Von Edge plans to sell more items online to help keep prices low in store.

“I could not have done any of this without the support of my husband. He encouraged me to open the store and is the heart and muscle behind the business,” said Von Edge.

“The Richmond is a special place,” Von Edge continued. “I feel so fortunate to have neighborhood support.”

Tight Knight Vintage & Modern is located at 1850 Balboa St., and Love Street Vintage is located at 1801 Balboa St. Both are open Fridays through Mondays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Uncommon SF is located at 1815 Balboa St. and is open Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Find more information at @tightknitvintage, @lovestreetsf and @uncommon.sf on Instagram.