Hey everybody,
We just announced some big, crazy news. The time has come for us to make a decision about the future, and as the world is evolving, and so are we! After 10 incredible years in retail, and 6 years on Valencia Street in San Francisco, we’ve decided to take a break from retail, and close our physical doors at the end of this year. Our final day in the shop will be December 31, 2024.
It’s been a tough couple of years financially for us, for other small businesses, and for retail as a whole. As a business that manufactures all of our own product, the cost to do so has become extremely expensive. The shift of our shoppers to online, an increase in remote workers not commuting, the exodus of San Francisco residents during Covid, our new landlords, and a number of other factors have all contributed to our decision. So many things have changed around us, and now it’s our time to do that too.
Rest assured, this isn’t the end of Often Wander. For the first time in a decade, we’re excited to have some space and time to breathe, dream, create, and plan for what’s next. Running brick and mortar shops has always been the heart of our business, but it has become increasingly challenging over the years. Though we’re making this decision in light of numerous economic factors, we’re choosing to look at it optimistically, as an ideal opportunity for transformation and growth.
This decision was not easy, and of course we wish things were different. We would love to be serving you on Valencia Street for a long, long time. My heart breaks for all the faces I will not see on a regular basis. We love being with you in person, and love what we’ve built together over the years, but we know it’s time for the next thing, and we’re filled with hope and excitement for the future. For us, having the freedom to create from a place of inspiration instead of need is long overdue.
Often Wander will continue online and through our wholesale partnerships, and we’ll still be based in San Francisco! Our operations are moving to SoMa, and we’re dreaming big about what’s possible in our next chapter - we’re imagining beautiful new product, more curated content, pop ups and markets, and time to engage with the San Francisco maker community that is so near and dear to us. Who knows what the future holds, but we are hopeful it will include another Often Wander storefront in it when the time is right.
Until then, this is what’s what:
✨ Our retail shop will remain open through December 31st, so there’s still time to shop in person, drop off refills, and find holiday gifts. (I’ll be there every weekend between now and the end of the year, giving hugs and thanks!) We will be open 10 am - 2 pm on 12/24, be closed on 12/25, and close at 5 pm on 12/31.
✨ As we are evolving, so will our refill program! Now is the time to take full advantage of half-price refills by bringing or shipping them in. The last day to drop off in person is 12/29. Refills must be picked up on or by 12/31.
✨ We’re extending our Black Friday promo through the end of the year! Shop 15% off your favorites PLUS:
Buy 3 get the 4th free Beaded Bracelets
20% off pillows, Handker, and I'm With the Band
25% off home decor
30% off artwork, frames, textiles, rings, crystals, stickers, and cards
✨ Our online shop is and will continue to be open 24/7, and we’re shipping everything ASAP! Order by 12/18 to ensure arrival before xmas and enjoy free shipping on orders over $100.
✨ Our gift cards don’t expire and can be used online. If you want to use yours IRL, be sure to come by before the end of the month.
✨ Wholesale will continue on, bringing our candles, perfumes, and jewelry to more of your favorite local small businesses.
✨ We will share additional details with you as we get closer to 12/31!
We know this news is sad. Believe us - it’s so hard to say goodbye to this beautiful space that’s been such a big part of our lives and this community. Our hearts go out to all the small business owners out there. These past couple of years have been tough on us. It's more important than ever to support your favorite small businesses in your community, and hope this inspires you to do so.
To each of you: thank you. Your loyalty, kindness, and support have made Often Wander what it is today. Without you, we wouldn’t be here. We treasure the personal relationships we’ve made with each of you in our space, and we hope you’ll stick with us as we explore what’s next. All of your favorite Often Wander products will still be just a click away on our website.
Let’s make these final weeks on Valencia St. unforgettable! Come by, share a memory, grab a gift, or simply say hello. Together, we’ll celebrate all that we’ve built and look forward to the future with hope and gratitude.
With so much love, here’s to the next chapter,
Sarah