Vacant to Vibrant Welcomes First Pop-up in Union Square: Oakland Fashion Designer Taylor Jay
In a bold initiative to revitalize Union Square, San Francisco's Vacant to Vibrant program proudly announces the opening of its first pop-up store in the district: Taylor Jay, a renowned Oakland-based fashion brand specializing in sustainable, inclusive, and elevated comfort apparel for women.
This milestone marks the beginning of a transformative journey for Union Square, with Taylor Jay leading the way as the first of many pop-ups to launch in the neighborhood. Grand opening festivities for the Taylor Jay pop-up at 220 O'Farrell St will commence on December 21st, promising an exciting milestone in the ongoing efforts to reinvigorate one of the city's iconic corridors.
Launched in 2023, the Vacant to Vibrant program has activated 17 storefronts in neighborhoods such as the Financial District, SOMA, and East Cut. With a new $3 million budget allocation, the program is extending its reach to Union Square and other Downtown corridors, with plans to activate an additional 25 storefronts on a rolling basis over the next two years. This expansion will include grant funding and technical assistance for small businesses, and support for participating property owners.
On Powell Street specifically, the program aims to fill 4 –6 storefronts. Additional vacancies along the corridor will also be activated through storefront beautification efforts.
Simon Bertrang, Executive Director of SF New Deal, the nonprofit partner running Vacant to Vibrant, shared his enthusiasm: "Small businesses are the soul of our neighborhoods and the cornerstone of our city's recovery. Taylor Jay represents everything this program is about—innovation, resilience, and community. This is an exciting next step in our efforts to breathe new life into Union Square and Downtown San Francisco."
For Taylor Jay, the opening is a dream realized. "As a San Francisco native, bringing my brand to Union Square is incredibly meaningful," said Taylor Jay. "I’m thrilled to bring fresh energy to Union Square with a focus on comfort, confidence, and sustainability, and I hope to inspire people not just with my designs, but with the welcoming and inclusive space we’re creating. Vacant to Vibrant is more than an initiative to support local small businesses like mine; it’s a movement that shows what’s possible when creativity and opportunity collide. This feels like the perfect alignment for my vision and values, and I’m grateful to be part of such a forward-thinking initiative"
Taylor Jay combines luxury, sustainability, and inclusivity, offering versatile pieces designed for every woman and every occasion. From locally sourced eco-friendly materials to adaptable sizes and timeless styles, Taylor Jay’s commitment to elevated comfort and environmental consciousness has earned her a loyal following across the Bay Area and beyond.
Vacant to Vibrant is made possible through a public-private partnership between SF New Deal and the City of San Francisco. Vacant to Vibrant is presented by Wells Fargo, with additional sponsorship from J.P. Morgan Chase and Visa who have committed to the joint and ongoing effort to support the revitalization of San Francisco.
For more information on Vacant to Vibrant and updates on upcoming storefront activations, visit vibrantsf.org.
ABOUT TAYLOR JAY
Taylor Jay is an Oakland-based fashion brand that creates timeless, sustainable, and inclusive designs for modern women. Founded by Bay Area native Taylor Jay, the brand is a testament to resilience, creativity, and community empowerment. Taylor Jay’s pieces are thoughtfully designed to adapt to every woman’s lifestyle, offering elevated comfort with an ethical and eco-conscious focus. Learn more on the Taylor Jay website or Instagram.