Los Angeles Apparel Will Open Union Square Retail Store
The clothing retailer plans to move into 111 Powell St., joining a wave of new activity near Market Street.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Shoppers near Union Square will soon see a new addition as Los Angeles Apparel prepares to open a retail space at 111 Powell St. The company, founded by Dov Charney, chose the location specifically to capture the high foot traffic found in the area.
Why it matters
The arrival of the new store adds to a shifting retail landscape in the heart of downtown. It coincides with other major developments, including a new Uniqlo site at 801 Market St. and the upcoming Powell Street Improvement Project.
Los Angeles Apparel is setting up at 111 Powell St. to join the local retail market, expanding from its current footprint of three stores in Los Angeles and New York. The exact opening date for the San Francisco shop remains unknown.
The players
Dov Charney
The founder of Los Angeles Apparel who previously established American Apparel.
Julie Taylor
The Colliers broker who managed the lease agreement for the new retail space.
Uniqlo
The international clothing retailer that is preparing to open a new location on Market Street.
The details
Julie Taylor of Colliers brokered the lease for the 111 Powell St. storefront. The project arrives as Lids also seeks to open a location nearby on Powell Street. These changes precede the Powell Street Improvement Project, which is scheduled to break ground in November 2026 and last for one year.
Timeline
1989: Dov Charney founded American Apparel.
2017: Dov Charney founded Los Angeles Apparel.
October 2026: Uniqlo opens at 801 Market St.
November 2026: Powell Street Improvement Project breaks ground.
Across the Bay
The entry of this brand into Union Square marks a departure from the period of retail contraction that followed the 2017 Gildan purchase of American Apparel. This new store signals a changing phase for downtown retail compared to the recent past.
Shoppers should anticipate increased activity on Powell Street as both Los Angeles Apparel and Lids prepare their new retail storefronts. Commuters and pedestrians should also prepare for the start of the Powell Street Improvement Project in November 2026.
The takeaway
The downtown retail core is seeing significant investment ahead of major public infrastructure work. Keep an eye on the progress of the Powell Street Improvement Project to see how it affects traffic and access to new storefronts starting in late 2026.
What happens next
The Powell Street Improvement Project is expected to break ground in November 2026, with construction continuing for one year.
Further reading
For more on the changing retail landscape downtown, visit San Francisco Openings & Closings.
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