Jack Spade May Replace 25-Year Mainstay in the Mission

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Despite efforts to save the Mission's Adobe Books, which has been in business since 1988, it looks like high-end men's clothing and accessories retailer Jack Spade (founded by Kate Spade and her husband), are sniffing around the prime location.

It appears that Jack Spade may already be in discussions with the 3166 16th Street landlord. A tipster alerted us to a Letter of Determination from the San Francisco Planning Department, which declares Jack Spade could legally move into the space. The letter says the business is not a so-called Formula Retail Establishment (a chain retailer with 11 or more stores; Jack Spade has seven) which is prohibited in certain neighborhoods in the city. Like Gant, which plans to move in on Hayes Street, Jack Spade is OK by the Planning Commission.

In January, Adobe Books' rent soared from $4,500 to $8,000, and owner Andrew McKinley cried uncle. But a group of artists and musicians who have seen good times at Adobe didn't want the legacy to end. So they formed the Adobe Books and Arts Cooperative and launched an Indiegogo campaign, where they've raised nearly $31,000 of their $60,000 goal.

Adobe Books associate Jimmy Flowers, a.k.a. the Flower Ninja, tells us the effort to save the business is still underway.
· Gant Moving in on Hayes, the Neighbors Are Not Pleased [Racked SF]
· Jack Spade [Official Site]
· Adobe Books [Official Site]