Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [159]
China, Silver & Glass
Gump’s Founded over a century ago, this San Francisco retail institution offers gifts and treasures ranging from Asian antiquities to contemporary art glass and exquisite jade and pearl jewelry. Many items are made specifically for the store. Gump’s also has one of the city’s most revered holiday window displays and is hugely popular for wedding registries (and don’t they know it). 135 Post St. (btw. Kearny St. and Grant Ave.). 800/766-7628 or 415/982-1616. www.gumps.com.
Crafts
The Canton Bazaar Amid a wide variety of handicrafts, here you’ll find an excellent selection of rosewood and carved furniture, cloisonné enamelware, porcelain, carved jade, embroideries, jewelry, and antiques from mainland China. Open daily until 10pm. 616 Grant Ave. (btw. Sacramento and California sts.). 415/362-5750.www.cantonbazaar.com.
The New Unique Company Primarily a calligraphy- and watercolor-supplies store, this shop also has a good assortment of books on these topics. In addition, there’s a wide selection of carved stones for use as seals on letters and documents. Should you want a special design or group of initials, the store will carve seals to order. 838 Grant Ave. (btw. Clay and Washington sts.). 415/981-2036. www.newunique.com.
Department Stores (Downtown)
Bloomingdale’s This massive 338,550-square-foot department store is the anchor of the Westfield San Francisco Centre at Fifth and Market streets. See “Shopping Centers & Complexes”. It’s the largest Bloomies outside of New York’s flagship 59th Street store, and even sports the same black-and-white polished checkerboard marble. It’s owned by the same company that runs Macy’s, but fashions—for both men and women—tend to be more high-end and forward. Highlights include ’60s-inspired fashions by Biba, knitwear by Sonia Rykiel, handbags by Louis Vuitton, and absurdly expensive shoes by Jimmy Choo. 845 Market St. (at Fifth St.). 415/856-5300.www.bloomingdales.com.
Macy’s The seven-story Macy’s West features contemporary fashions for women, juniors, and children, plus jewelry, fragrances, cosmetics, and accessories. The sixth floor offers a “hospitality suite” where visitors can leave their coats and packages, grab a cup of coffee, or find out more about the city from the concierge. The top floors contain home furnishings, and the Cellar sells kitchenware and gourmet foods. You’ll even find a Boudin Cafe (though the food is not as good compared to their food at other locations) and a Wolfgang Puck Cafe on the premises. Across the street, Macy’s East has five floors of men’s fashions. Stockton and O’Farrell sts., Union Square. 415/397-3333.
Neiman Marcus Some call this Texas-based chain “Needless Mark-ups.” But those who can afford the best of everything can’t deny that the men’s and women’s clothes, precious gems, and conservative formal wear are some of the most glamorous in town. The Rotunda Restaurant, located on the fourth floor, is a beautiful place for lunch and afternoon tea that was recently renovated along with the rest of the store. 150 Stockton St. (btw. Geary and O’Farrell sts.), Union Sq. 415/362-3900.
Nordstrom Located in the newly renovated San Francisco Shopping Centre, Nordstrom is renowned for its personalized service. Equally devoted to women’s and men’s fashions, the store has one of the best shoe selections in the city and thousands of suits in stock. The Bistro, on the fourth floor, has a panoramic view and is ideal for an inexpensive lunch or light snack. Spa Nordstrom, on the fifth floor, is the perfect place to relax after a hectic day of bargain hunting. 865 Market St. (at Fifth St.). 415/243-8500.
Discount Shopping
Burlington Coat Factory As its name hints, you’ll find hundreds of coats—from cheapies to designer—as well as men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories. These items will particularly come in handy for those visitors who don’t heed our advice and pack a parka for July travel (one of the unexpectedly chilliest months in the Bay Area). But the best deal is the home section, where designer bedding, bath accessories,