Kit and Ace finalize their plans to open a retail store in SF shopping district

Canada-based retailer Kit and Ace recently won an enduring battle to gain a space into San Francisco’s shopping district. The start-up company is scheduled to open their brick-and-mortars store at the end of October this year.

The company had issues with the promise of its opening due to an issue of “formula retail.” Once the store opening was in progress, the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association had objected against it. The shopping district that Kit and Ace aimed for doesn’t allow any retail operators of 11 or more stores to set permanent locations in their shopping district. In a vote, the city’s Board of Appeals allowed the company to open its store. The permit was filed for and built out last April, which is when Kit and Ace’s store count was under the 11-store rule. The City Zoning Administrator had already determined that Kit and Ace didn’t qualify under the terms of “formula retail,” however the neighborhood was still upset over the decision.

Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association tried to fight Kit and Ace store opening

The Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association argued, according to SF Gate, that Kit and Ace “gamed the system” by claiming that they were not a chain store even though they publicized plans for a multimillion-dollar worldwide expansion. “The special character of Hayes Valley is being violated by their stealthy, backdoor entry,” Jim Warshell, a longtime resident of the local area, told the board according to the publication.

Darrel Kopke, chief executive officer of Kit and Ace, stated that the company’s intention is to be a good neighbor. “We wouldn’t be standing here if we didn’t care about the community,” he told the board. The Canadian apparel retailer is known to work with local craftspeople and frequently put on neighborhood networking events. Currently the brand has over 22 locations operating in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. The permit was granted to the brand earlier this year in April when the brand only had nine operating stores.

The company is known for their products that incorporate new systems and fabrics to consciously create innovative designs. The brand elevates luxury fabrics and encompasses a sophisticated, contemporary style. The Canadian-based luxury brand offers t-shirts, pants, sweaters, skirts, accessories, and more. The price point for the brand averages around 130 dollars. The brand was established in 2014 and currently has 51-200 employees. The brand is currently in progress of expanding globally to Japan, Italy, China, and more. Founders of the brand include JJ and Shannon Wilson.