Posted this message late last night and for some reason the Fodor censor decided to pull it, so I retitled it and didn't use Lush in the new title. Let's see if that works. I know, from an earlier thread, that there are some Fodorites who are interested in this event. It's not an ad:

Here's the news Lush afficionados in CA have been eagerly awaiting. Lush opened its first US store today at 240 Powell St. (near Union Square) in San Francisco. See you there!

Thank you Betsy!!!

I found the original post, Betsy. It is on the Europe forum, not here!!!

Goodness gracious, great ballistic balls of butterball! Thank you Betsy! A shipment of Lush products just arrived at my house yesterday -- Xmas gifts for my lady friends. Had I known about the store I would have waited and saved myself the shipping from Canada! If the store smells anything like the box of stuff I got yesterday, it will be a heavenly experience to visit. Plus, now we can get all those products that don't ship well, like the frozen shower gels. Man, I can count on Fodors for so many lovely tidbits of info. Thanks!

Are the prices in SF comparable or more expensive than in Canada? And is the quality the same?

The prices should be the same.
The products are the same.
I have gotten Lush products from London and Canada, they are all the same.
Which is wonderful! I love the figs and leaves and have just a tiny sliver left!
I am hoping someone who just got back from London will be sending me some Lush Christmas goodies!
Susan, the stores smell so good! Although (unless this is just a guy thing) my husband had to step outside, he said the smell was overpowering. I loved it

I first read about Lush products on this forum, about two years ago and couldn't wait to try them. So while we were in Edinburgh in 2001, I was determined to check it out. My boyfriend went up the street and hung out in a bookstore while I spent about an hour in there. Most of the stuff I bought made it home OK, although some of the bath ballistics did break apart a bit. Even though I'm on the east coast, just knowing that there's a Lush store in the U.S. now gives me hope that one day we'll have one here as well. It's a lovely store with the best stuff ever. Thanks for letting us know!

I love Lush! But I'm a little disappointed to have Lush here in the U.S. It used to be a treat that I looked forward to when I was traveling. Now I won't have an excuse why I need to jet off to London for a bar of soap! Plus if they become so overun her like Body Shop and Bath & Body Works, it just won't be that special - I used to love buying Lush for gifts, since no one had it here.

They have been trying to buy out Bath and Body Works. Might not be a problem soon