The San Francisco Planning Commission met Thursday and voted unanimously to grant Therapy Stores a conditional use permit for its proposed 11th location at 32 Clement St., near Second Avenue in the Inner Richmond. The decision moves the boutique gift‑shop chain one step closer to opening its new storefront.
Background on the formula‑retail rule
San Francisco’s “formula retail” ordinance generally requires a special permit when a retailer operates 11 or more locations. At the time Jing Chen filed her application, Therapy Stores counted 11 operating stores. Since then, the chain’s San Bruno location has closed, but the city’s code also counts locations that are entitled to operate, even if they are not currently open. Chen argued that the formula‑retail rule should not block the Clement Street site and that the commission and the planning staff should focus on community engagement instead of technicalities.
Merchant opposition
Members of the Clement Street Merchants Association have organized to stop the expansion, calling the chain “dishonest and unneighborly.” Lindsey Hansen, owner of a vintage shop on the block, labeled Chen as such, while Amanda Weld of Tantrum toy store questioned whether the new store would fill any genuine need, noting that Therapy Stores carries many of the same items—stuffed toys, hats, candles, jewelry—as existing local businesses.
Five merchants spoke against the proposal, expressing concerns that the chain’s product line would overlap with theirs and potentially erode the unique character of the neighborhood.
Support for the project
Five speakers defended Chen. A neighbor praised her generosity and charitable donations, and sales agent Rick Salazar said Therapy Stores’ original Mission location helped spark the renaissance on Valencia Street. Commissioner Mike Chen (no relation) expressed discomfort with deciding the matter on “character attestation” alone, but ultimately voted to approve the permit with conditions, noting that the chain is a local business rather than a national retailer.
Commissioners’ rationale
Commissioner Sean McGarry, a longtime Inner Richmond resident, acknowledged the merchants’ concerns but emphasized the principle that “neighbors are neighbors.” He argued that one neighbor cannot dictate what another can do, and that the city should allow lawful businesses to operate while monitoring any adverse impacts.
Commissioner Mike Chen added that the decision was based on the lack of an inherent threat to existing businesses, and the unanimous vote reflected confidence that the conditional‑use process would address any competitive issues.
Next steps
Chen has pledged to work with Clement Street merchants to avoid product overlap, though planning staff clarified that the city cannot dictate specific inventory. The merchants indicated they plan to appeal the commission’s decision, but no timeline for an appeal has been set.
The building at 32 Clement St. was purchased by Chen in December 2025 for just under $2 million, and the business was registered there the same month. With the commission’s approval, the store is expected to open later this year, adding another boutique option to the vibrant Inner Richmond commercial corridor.
Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.
