If you're wondering what will be replacing Mikes Shoe Repair on 24th St, that mystery is now solved. We received this friendly note today:
Hello editors,A popular shop in the Alamo Square area, the current Rare Device shop has lots of favorable reviews for "all things quirky with a sense of humor."
This is Giselle from Rare Device. We want to let you know that we are opening up a second storefront in Noe Valley, taking over 4071 24th Street from Mike the shoe repair man. We hope to open up sometime in June. In the meantime, we are hiring and we'd love it if you can help us spread the word and maybe we can get some locals to apply.
A little bit about us:
We are husband and wife, Phurba and Giselle Gyalzen. We have 2 kids and we've lived in Bernal Heights since 2007. We currently have a store of the same name on Divisadero and Hayes. We moved to that location in 2012, from Market and Guerrero. We frequent 24th Street as a family and we are very happy to officially be a part of this neighborhood. We hope the neighborhood feels the same way.
A little bit about Rare Device:
Rare Device is a design gift store. I hand pick all the products that we carry and they are chosen for being beautiful, well designed, approachable and useful. Many of our wares are locally produced, handmade creations. There are also a wide variety of internationally created items. We also plan to host a variety of events at our Noe Valley location such as book signings, workshops, kids' events, and trunk shows.
No word on what's happening to the shoe sign that was on Mike's but as of this writing it's gone.
[Photo: Rare Device on Divisadero via Yelp]
Fabulous news -- sounds perfect for Noe. Welcome to our neighborhood. I think I'll be a regular!
ReplyDeleteHi all, Giselle here. We really wanted to keep the Renewing sign and leave it where it was. However, it was taken down a couple of weeks ago, we're not sure by whom. Hoping it's in good hands.
ReplyDeleteWe are keeping the Wooden Heel sign and will leave it untouched.
What a bummer! Another gift store! It would be really helpful to have a hardware store back in the neighborhood or to have had someone take over the shop as it was - a shoe repair shop! The street is filled with gift shops! I grew up in this hood and it is a shame to have so many unnecessary gift shops or high end boutique clothing shops.
ReplyDeleteWe do already have two wonderful gift stores in the next block, Cliche Noe and Wink. I agree that we are losing basic services which make us a neighborhood, not a mall with residences around it.
ReplyDeleteIt's great to have a locally owned store coming into Noe Valley, Welcome, Carol Yenne
ReplyDeleteSmall Frys
More junk from a budding chain. Last thing we need on 24th.
ReplyDeleteI have the shoe sign. When I heard Mike was going out of business, I didn't want that sign to go into a dumpster or leave the city, so I asked him if I could buy it. We made a deal that if he opens shop again, he can have it back. For free.
ReplyDeleteThe neon broke when we were taking it down but the interior lights still work. I am planning to hang it in my backyard. But only until Mike needs it back.
I'm just glad it's a local business. For a small stretch of blocks (church to castro), we have way too many big business - the likes of radio shack, supercuts, starbucks, gnc, etc. Agreed it would be nice to have more services but Mike's has lost too many of my shoes to qualify them as good service. Also glad it's not another salon. We've got too many of those and banks and real estate businesses.
ReplyDeleteLucky you Noe Valley! Rare Device is my favorite shop in the city. You aren't doing it justice by calling it a gift store. It is a wonderfully curated shop and my go to place when I want to check out new local talent. Their Divis store also hosts a wonderful gallery! Giselle and her husband are huge supporters of SF bay area artisans and local small business. Noe Valley, I'm so jealous!
ReplyDeleteRare Device will be an excellent addition to 24th! They have an amazingly well curated selection of gifts, home goods, and kids stuff as well as supporting local artists with their gallery and events. The close knit, supportive community they foster on Divis will only add to 24th. A true family run store that is always welcoming!
ReplyDeletewas the shoe sign Mike's or the Landlord's?
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with Genevieve. Calling it a 'gift store' does Rare Device a great disservice - and comparing them to Wink and Cliche Noe (eh) isn't fair either. If you visit their location on Divis you'll realize their tastes will make for a pretty refreshing addition to 24th. I for one can't wait to welcome them to the hood.
ReplyDeleteI'm not saying that a hardware shop wouldn't be appreciated, but let's not dismiss a new local business before they're even through the door.
Did Mike say he was going to start shop again in the future? I doubt it if he's willing to sell the sign. It might better serve the community if the sign was back on the space rather than in someone's backyard as a conversation piece. It sounds like the new tenants are open to preserving the signs on the storefront.
ReplyDeleteAs a local designer I cannot say enough about Giselle and Phurba. They have carried my jewelry line from the very beginning and have offered tremendous support ever since. They are a loving family and brilliant business people who are deeply invested in the communities in which their stores are located and are strongly dedicated to supporting local artisans. I have no doubt that the location on 24th will flourish and become a wonderful addition to the neighborhood.
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