W
Welcome Castro by San Francisco Mercantile
Your premier destination for LGBTQ+ and San Francisco-themed gifts, celebrating Castro pride with locally curated treasures.
5(5 reviews)
$$
retail-store
gift-shops
local-flavor
Services Offered
Gift Shopping
A wide selection of LGBTQ+ and San Francisco-themed gifts, including clothing, cards, and homewares.
Visitor Information
Providing tourist resources and insights about the Castro District and local attractions.
Local Merchandise
Curated items from local designers, celebrating Castro pride with unique, high-quality products.
Photo Opportunities
Fun photo-op setups like the Mustache Ride machine to enhance your visit and create memories.
Event and Souvenir Shopping
One-stop shop for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions with edgy and commemorative items.
Reviews
5(5 reviews)
Rating Distribution
5
5
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
S
Scott E
via Google
5 months ago
Love this store.
B
Bobby Bommaritovia Google
about 1 year ago
Wow! A sophisticated, well-curated gift shop again in the Castro! Not to be a prude, and I realize the need for the kitschy shops with adult toys and such, but Welcome Castro is an awesome alternative those stores. At WC, you can find reasonably-priced, quality, and sometimes edgy merchandise, literature, and artwork that commemorates the neighborhood and its residents. I lived in the Castro for 25+ years and watched similar shops come and go, and keep going, until none remained. The store is a nice complement to the longtime neighborhood institution down the street where you can buy washers for a garden hose and a set of interesting coasters at the store annex. It's not cheap to keep these places open - I encourage everyone to stop by and take a look. I'll bet you'll find the perfect gift for someone (or even for yourself). Welcome Castro has a distinct feel, friendly staff, and a very welcoming atmosphere. I'd wager you won't leave empty handed.
L
Lynn Friedmanvia Google
over 1 year ago
Just as fun as the Haight Street location, which skews hippy, but this store screams gay. This is the Castro after all. Rainbow flags! Mustache Ride machine on the sidewalk in front. That photo-op will definitely lure you in. Clever needlepoint pillows, fun cards, baseball hats & Ts. This is your go-to for gifts. Happy shopping.
S
Shelly Purivia Google
over 2 years ago
A must visit shop for anyone visiting the Bay Area. The shop has a nice selection of locally designed (unique) items and other more standard items, good for locals and tourists alike. The shop has a variety of items from greeting cards to clothing to dog apparel to homewares.
K
K.T. Huntervia Google
over 2 years ago
This store is AMAZING! They have a great mix of gifts, clothing, and other retail that is both LGBTQ as well as California/San Francisco themed. I recently was there and it was a one stop shop to get a bunch of fun gifts for my friend's upcoming birthday, as well as a cute card, and some fun stuff for me as well! The staff is super friendly and the vibes are awesome
