SFMade Opens Permanent Union Square Store Showcasing Over 100 Local Makers

Bay Area makers and artists now have a new place to sell their work in Union Square, where SFMade is opening a market that will also offer workshops and retail training for emerging manufacturers. SFMade, a nonprofit supporting local manufacturing, opened its new store Tuesday at 373 Geary Street, on the ground floor of the Handlery Hotel, featuring more than 100 Bay Area makers and artists, as the Chronicle reports . The market carries clothing, home goods, shelf-stable foods, coffee, jewelry, and prints, as well as bags and accessories from Rickshaw Bagworks, ceramic tableware from MMclay, and apparel from Cut Loose. More than 80% of the manufacturers and artists featured in the store reportedly don't have their own retail locations. SFMade had previously organized temporary pop-up markets, which drew enough interest to prompt the organization to find a permanent space. “It's a big deal for SFMade. We've never done anything with the goal of it being long term,” said Joyce Shulman, the organization's executive director, speaking to the Chronicle. SFMade’s landlord reportedly gave them a discounted rate for a year because of its nonprofit status and the landlord's support for its mission, and the organization hopes to be able to extend its lease. The store will have one full-time manager and is expected to employ four part-time associates. The location is also expected to benefit from foot traffic from nearby theaters, including the American Conservatory Theater and the Curran. Shulman told the Chronicle she is particularly excited about the mix of theatergoers, tourists, and local shoppers passing through the area. “It is thriving,” she said, speaking to the Chronicle. “It is so exciting.” The store joins a growing collection of retailers in Union Square, including Nintendo, Pop Mart, and Uniqlo , which recently returned to the neighborhood and partnered with local artists. A Banksy exhibit is also scheduled to open next month in the former H&M space on Powell Street, as SFist reported recently. According to the Chronicle, prices at SFMade range from about $10 for smaller items to $1,300 for a sculpture of Sutro Tower that doubles as a clothing rack. The piece was already attracting attention before the store opened, with one passerby reportedly walking in to ask about purchasing it a week ahead of the launch. The store's backing includes a $480,000 grant from JPMorganChase, distributed over two years to support the new location and SFMade's earlier pop-up markets. The bank has also reportedly been expanding its philanthropic investments in the Bay Area as it increases its regional workforce. Amazon and PG&E are among the other sponsors. “Local manufacturers play a vital role in creating jobs, strengthening neighborhoods and contributing to a more vibrant local economy,” said Tony Tolentino, JPMorganChase's vice president of global philanthropy, in a statement, per the Chronicle. Beyond selling products, the new location will serve as a retail accelerator and learning lab for local manufacturers looking to improve their pricing, retail strategies, and experience working directly with customers. The first group of 40 manufacturers is reportedly scheduled to begin a six-week program this month. SFMade wrote on social media it’s also planning workshops, maker activations, additional pop-ups, and opportunities for participating businesses to connect directly with shoppers. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SFMade (@sfmade) Related: Banksy Exhibition Headed to Former H&M Store In Union Square