“Best of the Best” Unique Retail ConceptsBack to News

At Urban Community Partners we are always on the prowl for unique and successful retail concepts for our projects. We try to find the very “best of the best” independent shops that will create activity, provide high quality services or products and add complimentary uses to the overall mix and vitality of commercial mixed use neighborhoods. We have found that independent store owners know their products or services best, can easily adapt their product lines to meet their customers needs, can be wonderful ambassadors for a town center or main street and are truly passionate about what they do. These are all important ingredients to creating great shops and one of a kind experiences.

So, after a recent surf session, and in need of some wax, I decided to investigate a local surf shop I had heard good things about. Located in the outer San Francisco Sunset District in a restored historic Mediterranean style building, Mollusk Surf Shop is a welcoming albeit out of the ordinary surf retail establishment. Sure, there were surfboards, wetsuits and clothing options, but it was not over-packed with brand names, racks and shelves of products found in similar shops. Absent were fluorescent lights, blaring music, in your face sale signs and inventory piled high. Upon entering I sensed that the Mollusk Surf Shop was more than just another retail outlet. Almost immediately I could tell it was a carefully thought out shop that made you feel good about being there and buying their offerings. I asked myself what made this shop so special?

In addition to the surfing essentials there was a balanced blend of books, music, videos, one of kind T-Shirts and some incredible artwork. Sprinkled around were ocean inspired art installations, plants, a big comfy couch in the middle of the shop and toys (not for sale) for children to play with while their parents shopped. The hand painted signs and sales tags were visible but not overwhelming. The bare concrete floor was covered with a variety of old Indian rugs. The lighting was warm and natural, the music peaceful. There was a relaxed living room vibe that “invited” me to hang out. I was almost having a “Retail Zen” experience. But to the point, it made me feel comfortable and I wanted to purchase all sorts of cool items, not just the wax I originally went in for. Thankfully I didn’t have a credit card on me!

The two surfer salesmen were low key, knowledgeable and helpful. They did not try to “sell” but rather let me explore their shop and answered my questions without pressure to purchase. In all, it was a positive experience that made me want to linger and spend more time (and potentially more money) rather than bolt once I bought something in particular.

Mollusk is the kind of unique and independently owned shop that has many lessons to learn from (and interesting products) that will keep me coming back for more: A clear indicator of success and earns a spot on our growing “Best of the Best” retail precedents for future projects.