San Francisco’s retail landscape might be getting a much-needed boost as Japanese clothing giant Uniqlo explores the possibility of reopening a downtown store. After closing their flagship Union Square location in 2021 during the pandemic’s devastating retail apocalypse, the company is now signaling serious interest in returning to the city.

According to recent emails obtained by the San Francisco Chronicle, Uniqlo’s North America real estate director Tomo Yasuda expressed excitement about potentially re-entering the downtown market. “San Francisco is an important market for Uniqlo and we are very excited about the idea of opening back up,” Yasuda wrote in an April communication with Mayor Daniel Lurie’s administration.

The potential new location? The vacant Old Navy space at Fourth and Market streets, which closed in 2023 as part of the broader retail exodus. This potential return would mark a significant moment for San Francisco’s struggling downtown area, which has been grappling with numerous store closures and reduced foot traffic.

Uniqlo, currently the world’s third-largest clothing retailer, first established its West Coast presence in San Francisco back in 2012. Their original Union Square store was a massive hit, even flying a branded zeppelin over the city during its launch and generating significant buzz.

While negotiations are still ongoing and nothing is confirmed, city officials like Lurie’s economic policy chief Ned Segal seem supportive. “We want to do everything we can to help you understand our plans to ensure you and other downtown businesses can thrive,” Segal told Yasuda.

This potential return is part of a broader expansion strategy for Uniqlo, which has been actively growing its retail footprint since the pandemic’s initial contraction. The Stonestown Galleria location continues to perform well, suggesting the brand still maintains popularity in the Bay Area.

For San Francisco, this potential store reopening represents more than just another retail space, it symbolizes hope for downtown’s economic recovery and resilience. As the city continues to rebuild its commercial landscape, Uniqlo’s potential return could be a significant step toward revitalizing the urban core.