Los Angeles Apparel Will Open Union Square Retail Store
The apparel brand is expanding its footprint to San Francisco’s Union Square as other national retailers move into the district.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Los Angeles Apparel, founded by Dov Charney in 2017, plans to open a new retail location at 111 Powell St. in San Francisco. This expansion puts the company in the high-traffic Union Square area, joining other retailers like Uniqlo that are also establishing new footprints in the district.
Why it matters
The company’s decision to plant a flag in this corridor hinges on capturing the steady foot traffic found in the heart of San Francisco’s shopping district. This move represents a strategic commitment to physical retail space despite ongoing regional infrastructure plans that will alter local access in the near future.
Los Angeles Apparel is adding a new location at 111 Powell St. to its current portfolio of three stores in Los Angeles and New York. The move comes as other major retailers secure space nearby, including a future Uniqlo at 801 Market St.
The players
Los Angeles Apparel
A garment manufacturing and retail brand founded by industry veteran Dov Charney.
Dov Charney
The entrepreneur who previously founded American Apparel before establishing his current retail brand.
Uniqlo
A global casual wear retailer known for its high-volume inventory model and large-format flagship stores.
Julie Taylor
A real estate broker at Colliers who facilitated the lease agreement for the new Powell Street storefront.
The details
Julie Taylor of Colliers brokered the lease for the 111 Powell St. storefront. The project coincides with the city’s plans for the Powell Street Improvement Project, which is slated to disrupt the area starting in late 2026. Retailers in this zone must now navigate the balance between high-visibility foot traffic and the operational challenges posed by upcoming major municipal construction work.
Timeline
1989: Dov Charney founded American Apparel.
2017: Dov Charney founded Los Angeles Apparel.
October 2026: Uniqlo is expected to open its 801 Market St. location.
November 2026: The Powell Street Improvement Project is expected to break ground.
Market Landscape
This site selection follows a broader pattern of retail repositioning in Union Square despite the upcoming disruptions from the Powell Street Improvement Project. The area remains a primary target for legacy apparel brands seeking to sustain brand visibility through physical locations.
Operators considering similar prime-district leases should factor in the one-year timeline of the Powell Street Improvement Project. Assess whether your customer base and supply chain can handle the potential foot-traffic disruption before committing to long-term retail occupancy in this zone.
The takeaway
Retailers prioritizing high-traffic districts must weigh the immediate exposure benefits against the operational friction caused by municipal infrastructure projects. Businesses should monitor upcoming construction schedules to adjust staffing and logistics plans well in advance of site groundbreakings.
Further reading
For updates on local retail shifts, check our Openings & Closings section.
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