We Are San Francisco

Muni-Branded Apparel Debuts at Market Street Uniqlo

The merchandise collection was designed by agency staff but provides no revenue to the transit department.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Philanthropy

Isometric editorial illustration showing a folded garment with abstract transit map patterns, representing city transit branding initiatives.
San Francisco transit officials have launched a new Muni-branded apparel collection at the Market Street Uniqlo to bolster public brand affinity. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Shoppers at the new Uniqlo flagship on Market Street can now buy Muni-branded apparel designed by the agency itself. The collection launched without a revenue-sharing agreement as the transit agency navigates a significant budget shortfall.

Why it matters

The transit agency is looking to leverage local brand affinity to build support ahead of a critical November ballot measure. With a $307 million deficit looming for the 2026-27 fiscal year, the agency has asked voters to approve a parcel tax to raise $184 million annually.

The agency is facing a $307 million deficit for the 2026-27 fiscal year, while the proposed parcel tax aims to bring in $184 million in annual revenue. It is currently unknown how much, if any, future revenue these partnerships may generate for the transit budget.

The players

SFMTA

The city agency responsible for managing Muni transit operations and infrastructure.

Uniqlo

A global apparel retailer that opened a new flagship store on Market Street.

Ruth Asawa School of the Arts

A local public high school that collaborated with the agency on the merchandise designs.

The details

The SFMTA creative team designed the merchandise in collaboration with the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts and local artists. While similar trademark issues occurred when Baggu used the BART logo without permission in September 2025, this collection was created at no cost to Uniqlo. Items in the line are priced between $20 and $30 and are sold only at the 801 Market St. location.

Timeline

  1. September 2025: Baggu used the BART logo without authorization.

  2. October 9, 2026: Uniqlo opened its flagship Market Street store.

  3. November 2026: Voters decide on the parcel tax proposal.

  4. 2026-27 fiscal year: The SFMTA faces a $307 million deficit.

Across the Bay

This move marks a shift in how transit agencies manage their brand assets compared to the unauthorized use of the BART logo by Baggu in 2025. By designing the gear in-house, the agency is attempting to formalize its presence in the local market.

You can purchase items from the Muni-branded collection for $20 to $30 at the Uniqlo store located at 801 Market St. This retail option is exclusive to the Market Street location and is currently the only place to find these specific designs.

The takeaway

The agency is betting that high-profile merchandise will keep Muni top-of-mind for commuters heading into the November election. Residents should watch the upcoming vote on the parcel tax, which serves as a major indicator for the future of city transit funding.

What happens next

Voters will decide on the proposed parcel tax in the November 2026 election, which aims to provide $184 million in annual revenue to the transit agency.

Further reading

For more on how local organizations engage with the city, see Philanthropy.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Mission Local.

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