Small businesses make up an important part of any city’s economy, and San Francisco is no exception. This city is filled with mom-and-pop shops, local eateries, and independent stores that contribute tons of character, history, and flavor to the tapestry of San Francisco.

If you’re looking to support local businesses in the City by the Bay, start shopping small in these neighborhoods.

Fillmore District

This neighborhood is many things—a jazz hotspot, a residential community, and a shopping destination. This vibrant district’s central hub is the 12-block stretch of Fillmore Street, which is home to everything from antique shops to high-end boutiques.

Fillmore Street District is such a beloved shopping and dining destination that there’s even an app, Fillmore SF, designed to help shoppers map out their retail excursions. Although Fillmore District is considered by some to be the subset of Western Addition, it still has plenty to offer shoppers no matter what they call the neighborhood.

Shops to Check Out:

  • Mureta’s Antiques - This charming shop specializes in selling antique and estate jewelry from the Victorian and Edwardian era as well as European and Asian crystal, porcelain, and sterling silver.

  • Heidi Says - This high-end shop offers a wide selection of fashion items from established and new designers who create signature styles with one-of-a-kind accessories.

Haight-Ashbury

Haight-Ashbury is another great neighborhood for local shops as well as high-end boutiques, many of which can be found on Haight Street. While this community is perhaps most well-known for being at the heart of hippie culture during the 1960s, it’s also the perfect neighborhood to support small businesses. The luxury boutiques, vintage shops, and one-of-a-kind retailers will give you the most unique wardrobe in town. 

Shops to Check Out:

  • Held Over - This vintage shop has a large selection of clothing designs and accessories dating back to as early as the 1940s.

  • The Booksmith - A treasure among the city’s book-loving residents, The Booksmith is also one of the last remaining independent bookstores in the city. 

Cow Hollow

Cow Hollow originally started as a fisherman’s settlement and place for cow grazing. Over time, the neighborhood evolved into an affluent community with tons of character, lending itself to some truly one-of-a-kind shops.

Much of the allure for shoppers lies along Union Street, an east-west thoroughfare that runs through San Francisco. Union Street is lined with a variety of restaurants, art galleries, boutique shops, and vintage fashion stores that allow shoppers to fulfill their retail dreams.

Shops to Check Out:

  • Moulin Pooch - If you’re shopping for your pup, this boutique sells pet products perfect for pampering your four-legged friend.

  • Ambiance S.F. - A hip women’s fashion boutique that sells a wide selection of shoes, dresses, and accessories ranging from a few bucks to several Benjamin Franklins. This shop also has locations in nearby neighborhoods like Noe Valley, Marina District, and Inner Sunset.

Hayes Valley

Love jazz music? Enjoy browsing art galleries? Can’t stop buying gorgeous antiques? You’ll be able to spend countless afternoons shopping small in this trendy neighborhood. You’ll find plenty of fashion boutiques and local businesses along Hayes and Linden streets. There are also plenty of local eateries if you need a break from shopping

Shops to Check Out:

  • Siren - This local boutique carries the latest designer clothing, shoes, and accessories for women at affordable prices.

  • Barcino - Take a break from shopping and enjoy some tapas paired with a glass of Sangria at this welcoming restaurant.