Shotwell Boutique

i went there just as they were around closing and they were having a sale but everything was still pretty expensive though they carried great items. upstairs had furniture and other bits while downstairs was mainly clothes and jewelry. great layout and to look through

I was reading the Chronicle online this morning and saw there was a sale at a store near where I work. It was a steep sale, so I checked out the store’s website. Found a really cool mirror over 50% off. I called Shotwell to ask how many they had, if they thought they’d have one left by the end of the day. The nice guy on the phone offered to hold it for me. I swore I’d be there by 5:03 since I work a block away.
When I showed up in the afternoon, I realized it was one of those super trendy stores that are Not For Me. It’s a store for hipsters who are in their early 20’s. All the employees were nice and not at all stuck-​up, saying hello and pointing me towards upstairs when I asked where housewares was.
I asked for the guy I’d talked to on the phone and when he came over, he took me to look at the mirror. He answered all my questions patiently. When I saw rainboots and wanted to try those, he found my size and apologized for there being dust on them, wiping it off. He offered to wrap the mirror with bubble-​wrap and put it in a box. He carried it out of the store for me, waited with me for a cab, and made sure I and the mirror got safely in a cab.
Their customer service at this store is stellar. And the stuff they sell is pretty great too. Cute rain boots for $ 17? Score!

The other day I bought the following at Shotwell: a gray Kurt Cobain cardigan, a pair of very high quality black leggings, and a sparkly purple «top» that covers just enough of me to earn a PG-​13 rating. In other words, you can walk out of Shotwell prepared to emulate anything from a grunge icon to a (PG-​13 rated) showgirl. Even better — for the most part, you will have purchased locally designed gear. Do be aware that there is also a dramatic price range — you can spend upwards of $ 300 for one piece. If you’re on a more modest budget, discreetly check the tag to make sure you don’t fall in love with something you shouldn’t.
Much as I give Shotwell credit for having well-​chosen merchandise, the aforementioned generalizing quality doesn’t feel right. Yeah, I did purchase interesting items, but I think they are aiming for a boutique atmosphere. Two stories with styles and prices all over the map feels more akin to a department store. A very small department store, but nonetheless that’s my perception.
I know critiquing a business for a «vibe» they may well be intending toes the line of appropriate in a Unilocal review, so I’m not deducting stars for that. After all, I did make several purchases and can report that the customer service was great. I’m just saying — if your stated goal is «boutique shopping,» Shotwell may not be what you’re looking for.

Me and Shotwell are like a dysfunctional relationship in all the right ways.
After I leave, I can’t help but go back again and again.
Anyway, anytime I need a quick pick-​me-​up shopping day and I’m in Union Square we always get together and I almost always seal the deal and take a cute little new (or new to me) thing home. It’s always a sure thing.
This is a must shop spot I take everyone to when they visit from out of town. I love it because it’s so San Francisco. It’s a great blend of local, fresh and quality. It’s down to earth and thoughtful. The service is really nice. It’s nice to finally see people work the changing area the it should be done («I found a few other pieces you might want to think about and put them in the room for you»).
It’s the good part of hipster without being overwhelming.
Kudos, Shotwell. I think this is love.

I had high hopes for this place, since I had heard such great things about it and read all the great reviews on Unilocal.I really wanted to like this place. Really, I did! Unfortunately my overly forgiving heart didn’t have the strength that day.
3 stars for having really unique but over-​priced vintage finds. (Take a bus to the Mission and find the same stuff for a way better deal.) I did appreciate the visuals and merchandising throughout the store though.
Anyway, –2 stars for the fact that the only person who even acknowledged my presence was the nice young fellow upstairs. So if you’re reading this, THANK YOU.
And to the rest… After 5 years of working retail (sales, upper management, and visuals) I know that you don’t need to straighten the same hanger for 10 minutes. If you want to ensure that I don’t steal, try a little customer service. I was holding almost $ 300 worth of Zara merchandise that I purchased next door. No, I’m not going to steal your $ 32.00 ring that is $ 10.00 at Buffalo Exchange. I don’t like shopping with a peeping tom lurking behind the rack next to me. It’s frightening and just a little creepy to see a set of eyes through the cracks of hanging clothes. I’m just saying.
I did briefly meet one of the owners, and I must say she was really sweet, knowledgeable, and friendly. It’s unfortunate that the girls who represent her at the store are… Not.

I absolutely, hands down, ADORE this Union Square boutique! For months after it set up shot, I was scared to venture in, absolutely certain that it would be chock full of clothing I can’t afford.
While Shotwell certainly does stock the odd unaffordable (for me, anyway) piece, it’s also stuffed full of edgy, unique pieces under $ 100 — right in my price range. I love that I can find pieces by Arden B and Charlotte Ronson here, but at the same time sample pieces by local designers. My absolutely FAVE part of the store is their little «necklace tree» (ground floor, right by the checkout counter) — I nabbed a leaf-​shaped gold number that never ceases to earn me complements.
Great for jewelry, jeans, edgy, one-​of-​a-​kind pieces and just general feel-​good browsing.
Bonus points because:
1. Their shopping bags are a. reusable synthetic bags sizable enough to carry my gym clothes and b. pretty damn goodlooking
2. From time to time they hold happy hour events with free booze (and sometimes donate shopping proceeds to charity)
3. They regularly have sales
4. Staff team is super nice and helpful

They changed locations and have apparently turned into a whole new store. and i like it!
I popped in the other day looking for a few things, the staff was all super helpful and there are a lot of cute things to check out! I look forward to adding shotwell to my go-​to shopping list.

I know a boy who likes to do things efficiently and conveniently. This boy may have been in the market for some gifts for a girl who has everything. Shotwell happens to be within a block or two of boys’ office.
Let’s just say I may have been the recipient of some tight cream-​colored gloves with adorable little buttons, a crystal-​encrusted gold feather necklace, and a reusable Shotwell tote that I feel über-​cool carting my groceries around in.
The store itself is pretty hipster-​heavy but holds a lot of treasures. The people inside are not as aloof as most hipsters and even an stuffy old yuppie like me can’t leave without buying something. They’re having an outstanding sale right now, too. Perfect lunchtime distraction or after-​work treat if you work in the fidi.

When I first stepped into the store, I thought I would be ignored by their sales people. Boy was I wrong. they were great! Service with a smile and courteous.
Their merchandise were not as expensive as I thought either. I got a good deal on a short sleeve cardigan… $ 20.

Being from Texas, it is hard to find men’s clothes I like in boutiques. With that being said, I happened to stumble upon Shotwell while visiting San Francisco. It does have a hipster vibe, and I appreciated the store decorations. Now onto the selection. They have a good mix of local designers and name brands. I’ve seen some of the stuff they carry online, but never in a store. I found about 3 pieces (but ultimately was only able to afford one of them) I really loved.
This is where I discovered B. Son! Just wish they had their online store available but I was told they are working on this. Price is slightly on the higher side but I can’t complain since it is hard for me to find pieces that they carry. Staff on hand was also very helpful in helping out with selections.

So I’ve been mad at Shotwell for a long time now. After the boot incident, I was a shopper scorned, and I vowed to never step foot in there again.
But then, last week I received a very apologetic and sincere message from the stores owners, Holly and Michael. They had read my review and boy were they sorry. And despite my stubborn, resentful self, they won me over. A few excerpts from their letter and you’ll see how:
– «We are truly sorry for the experience that you had, and hope that we can amend the situation»
– «As a new and young company, we have a lot to learn and appreciate your feedback as an opportunity for improvement.»
– «As the store owners, we would like to personally assist you in this resolution. Here is our contact information — we hope to hear from you soon.»
And the part that got the single tear to run down my cheek…
–«We would like to take this opportunity to offer you a full refund for the shoes, or if you prefer, store credit for twice the amount you spent on the shoes.»
Now, you might say that by giving me a refund, doesnt undo anything. And it doesnt, hence the 3 star, A-​OK rating and not the 4-​star I might’ve given them had this whole ordeal never happened. But Michael and Holly went out of their way to make this up to me and were nothing but gracious and apologetic the whole way through. Even when I came in to get my refund from Michael himself, I never felt that they we’re just trying to get me to take my review down. In fact, they never brought it up at all, and that kind of customer service goes a long way in my book.
So while I don’t know if I’ll be back shopping there anytime soon (forgiven, not forgotten!), I can say that Shotwell is still an adorable little store with really good people running it and they deserve another shot.

I always wondered where the Mission trustafarians shopped.
Interesting selection of clothes, lots of zippers, buttons, studs, and metallic attachments where they don’t normally go. My fave was the women’s tights with the extra large zipper on the front, just in case you wanted to draw more attention to your crotch. They do have some interesting jewelry and dresses that don’t look too much like the currently hip fashion uniform.
Staff were helpful and courteous. Prices are moderately expensive, but no worse than similar full price shit at Macy’s.

I used to love this store.
I loved coming into to find cheery people (usually the owners) smiling and chatting me up about the awesome local designers they feature. I loved the contrast between local designers, expensive designers, name brands (like cheap monday), and handpicked vintage.
Now, the new store has lost it’s flavor. A lot of the sales people seem bored and way to eager to make a sale. Today, i asked a sales person if they were going to be bringing in any more vintage clothes like before, and she laughed and proudly replied that they were focusing more on ‘modern, contemporary clothes…“
Right. Except the clothes on the rack have been the same for the last 3 months. Hopefully they’ll figure it out.

If a drag queen imitating Lady Gaga swallowed a live grenade during her performance of «Paparazzi», Shotwell Boutique would be the hot, hot, hot mess her fabulous explosion would create.

Everyone at my salon in downtown has been talking about this store and it’s new location. I finally had a chance to visit the store today and understand why everyone has been so ECSTATIC about this amazeballs clothing store!
First off: The staff. Super friendly and helpful. Not the kind of «friendly» that makes you uncomfortable. Just a sincere hi and a nice welcome.
The Clothes: Awesome! Went with a co worker and she got some great threads. I found a fantastic black knit type shirt on sale for $ 13.99! Yes, my cheap ass was so THRILLED! They have great sales! Also, a lot of the items are not over priced. Very affordable and cutting edge clothes.
The Location: Perf! One block from my salon. A block from the sutter stockton parking garage and very close to multiple muni stops.
The Store: 2 stories of bliss! They did an amazing job creating a nice look and feel.
I will definitely be coming back and directing all my clients to come here. A great experience!

Love this place.
They carry a ton of hard to find designers (many of them local) from big names like Alex & Chloe or Opening Ceremony to lesser known (but fabulous) Ali Golden and Please Dress Up… not to mention B. Son and Warriors of Radness for the boys.
I walked into their old location on Geary on a whim and was immediately blown away by the way they display their wares. The store looked like some sort of fantastic art installation… amazing. I was fortunate to meet Holly and Michael, who own Shotwell. They were (and continue to be) really genuinely helpful and kind, and clearly very passionate about what they do.
I’ve been a frequent shopper since and have walked away with some amazing finds. Many that were surprisingly affordable and others that were definitely worth breaking the bank for (um, one of a kind, jaw dropping necklace? yes, please).
I’ve since been into their new location on Grant. It’s more of the same and then some. More designers, some new (and very friendly) faces, and more awe inspiring displays.
They have a neat little event on 1^st Thursdays with drinks and DJs (Spank Rock, Official Tourist)… and discounts! I’m all about shopping with a cocktail in hand.
Right now I’m obsessed with my new studded ring and Mink Pink dress. Thanks Shotwell!

I hardly Unilocal but this store is worth it.
For the few people that are complaining that «Shit is overpriced» clearly AREN’T in the know about the lines they carry and how the prices in their store are no different than in classy hip boutiques in LA or NY.
Shotwell successfully brings together a union of small local designers and names in fashion that are hard to find in the city. Names you would normally only find common online or in NY. I love that they carry Surface to Air, Mike & Chris, Alex & Chloe, and Society for Rational Dress just to name a FEW. Think OAK NY & a cute vintage shop having a child. That child is Shotwell.
They promote local artists (they have the art displayed on the walls of their store) and designers by having monthly parties held in store with some kind of thrill to look forward to. Just this past show they had free hair trims by a über cool salon.
The price range ranges from «Wow this sweet ring costs only $ 15» to «Yes, I will have to save up for those Mike & Chris fold over boots because I totally saw that price coming before I even thought of looking at the bottom of it» (because if its Mike & Chris you should EXPECT that! but its the quality you’re paying for!) And don’t freak out too hard because they have a great sale area too. Check that out.
My favorite is the jewelry and accessories area. I have gotten so many compliments by all my Shotwell jewelry purchases.
Anyway, I have met one of the owners, Michael a few times and an associate Rene, who always always always give friendly service and a good chat. If you’re looking for quality, one of a kind items whether its jewelry or clothes, Shotwell is that diamond in the rough in downtown San Francisco. It’s all about exclusivity and quality worth paying for.

A little piece of the mission right downtown and bart/​muni accessible! With awesome vintage and local designers I located the perfect little black NYE dress for a steal. With Rebecca Beeson, Cheap Monday, and Minnie Wilde, and like indie finds I will for sure be back.
Dressing rooms are warm and comfy and the staff is very helpful!

Imagine if you had a cool rocker couple (think Jack & Meg without all the red, She & Him) that sought out choice vintage garments and accessories to help you, yes you, look and style just a little bit better. That’s the feeling I got when I stopped into Shotwell for the first time.
The store is daring, just being a local boutique amidst the commercial hustle of Union Square. The clothes, which include a few local designers as well, are laid out for easy browsing, and while they have some fun men’s items, I was just as enamored with what the ladies had to choose from.
Brands include B. Son, Cheap Monday, Lacoste, Alex & Chloe… rings, luggage, boots! Probably the only reason I didn’t immediately purchase anything was because of the price point. But hey, can you put a price on looking good?
And now for some Nish Trivia: From 2001 – 2003, I lived at 334 Shotwell Street, which was one of the more reckless moving decisions I’ve ever made. Those couple of blocks were and still are the #2 location for street prostitution in the Nission. J.M. Shotwell (once cashier of Alsop & Co.‘s Bank and secretary of the Merchant’s Exchange, he was treasurer of the San Francisco Homestead Union, too) would be proud!

What started off as a pop-​up store, selling vintage garments throughout the city in clubs and galleries, is now a full-​fledged boutique! Kudos to the two owners (an engaged couple whose business logo is a black vintage style silhouette of the couple facing each other) for having the bravery to open up an independent boutique in the downtown area… a welcoming addition to the area, indeed!
Really cool clothing can be found here at both high and moderate price points (depending on your tax bracket). Local designers from SF such as Turk & Taylor and lots of Minnie Wilde — enough to make hipsters and fashionistas go bananas! And if you don’t find anything you are looking for just yet, fear not as they plan on bringing more designers in from NY and LA — according to the very lovely and very friendly shop girl.
Lots of vintage pieces can also be found here at the lower end of the price point. After finding a dress that at first had me saying «this is vintage?» I couldn’t resist walking away with it (and I don’t even do vintage!) purchased for a measly 52 bucks!
Make sure you get on their mailing list so you are up to date on their store events. They plan on hosting trunk shows (with DJs!) during First Thursdays… woo hoo!