Xela Imports
Africa, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Central America are the sources for the handicrafts sold at Xela (pronounced shay-la). They include jewelry, masks, religious icons, and decorative wall hangings.
103 Best Places to Shop in San Francisco, California
With its grand department stores and funky secondhand boutiques, San Francisco summons a full range of shopping experiences. From the anarchist bookstore to the mouthwatering specialty-food purveyors at the gleaming Ferry Building, the local shopping opportunities reflect the city's various personalities. Visitors with limited time often focus their energies on the high-density Union Square area, where several major department stores tower over big-name boutiques. But if you're keen to find unique local shops, consider moving beyond the square's radius.
Each neighborhood has its own distinctive finds, whether it's 1960s housewares, cheeky stationery, or vintage Levi's. If shopping in San Francisco has a downside, it's that real bargains can be few and far between. Sure, neighborhoods such as the Lower Haight and the Mission have thrift shops and other inexpensive stores, but you won't find many discount outlets in the city, where rents are sky-high and space is at a premium.
Seasonal sales, usually in late January and late July or August, are good opportunities for finding deep discounts on clothing. The San Francisco Chronicle and San Francisco Examiner advertise sales. For smaller shops, check the free SF Weekly, which can be found on street corners every Wednesday. Sample sales are usually held by individual manufacturers, so check your favorite company's website before visiting.
ZGO Perfumery
Carrying a unique collection of high-end perfumes, lotions, diffusers, scented candles, and even Mariage Frères teas, this upscale shop is an abiding favorite among discriminating Castro noses. Shop clerks are knowledgeable and can suggest the perfect gift for yourself or any lucky recipient.
dress
This quaint boutique offers up fashions by dozens of brands, among them Kathy Kamei and Ulla Johnson. The clothes have been thoughtfully selected with entire wardrobes in mind. Items don't crowd the racks, and the service is friendly without being overwhelming. You can sometimes find good bargains here.
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Earthbody
A destination for organic products, cleansing, and relaxation—not to mention massage treatments to melt for—this eco-spa offers transformative workshops and rituals that help you heal from within. The Goddess Treatment, a client favorite, includes body exfoliation, a hot-oil scalp treatment, and massage using products infused with wildflower blossoms.
FLAX art & design
In addition to paints, brushes, and art supplies, this sprawling creators' playground sells beautifully made photo albums and journals, fine pens and pencils, crafts kits, stationery, and inspiring doodads for kids.
International Orange
Treatments at this spa and yoga studio include the signature IO Massage, which incorporates Swedish, acupressure, Thai, and Shiatsu techniques. The more straightforward Hot Stone Massage is done with International Orange's own Anoint Oil—grape-seed oil infused with green tea and scented with white lotus and jasmine flower. For a city spa, this is a large space, but it's tranquil and even has a bamboo garden.
Kabuki Springs & Spa
Traditional sit-down Japanese showers and communal bathing are two out-of-the-ordinary experiences at the Kabuki. The renowned Javanese Lulur Treatment includes a combination massage with jasmine oil, exfoliation with turmeric and ground rice, a yogurt application, and a candlelight soak with rose petals. Men and women are welcome every day for private treatments, but call ahead regarding communal bathing schedules; the baths are coed only on Tuesday. Clothing is optional except on coed days.
Lucca Delicatessen
Take a number at this throwback to Old Italy and wait your turn to order a sloppy-good, meatball-and-provolone sandwich or the neighborhood fave, the #1 Italian combo: salami, ham, mortadella, and provolone, spiced up with a few Italian peppers. The sausages and prepared salads are also good here.
My Roommate's Closet
Fed by more than 25 boutiques in San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles, the Closet carries clothing and accessories by designers like BB Dakota, Current Elliot, and Alexander McQueen, all at least 50% off the retail price.
Patagonia
Technical wear for serious outdoors enthusiasts is the specialty. Along with sportswear and casual clothing, the store carries active wear for backpacking, fly-fishing, kayaking, and other activities.
Remède Spa
All treatments at the St. Regis Hotel's très chic spa incorporate a line of high-end French skin-care products. Offerings include custom skin therapy, massage, body scrubs, seaweed wraps, and a variety of mani-pedi, facial, and waxing options. Prices range from $18 for a lip wax to $330 for a four-hands massage.
Therapeia Massage
Massages at this oasis of calm near Japantown include and hot-stone options. Acupunture and facials are also available. The focus is on cleansing and calming the mind as well as the body.
The Wine House
The highly informed and friendly staffers here are willing to help you find the perfect wine for any occasion. The Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Rhône selections are especially good, and the assortment of California wines is small but well chosen. Prices are reasonable.
