Maybe Gant Is Actually Welcome in Hayes Valley

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We reported last week that Hayes Valley residents were none too happy about Gant, an East Coast men's clothing company opening a store at 552 Hayes Street. A sign posted in the window read: "Do not shop at Gant... Shop local, small business. Save small business."

So we posted a poll to find out how people really felt.

We've received 200 votes so far, and the majority said they could not wait to get their preppy chic on at Gant. Specifically, 30 respondents were against it, 70 responded "meh," and 100 were all for it.

It's not likely all our respondents live in Hayes Valley, so the poll isn't an accurate assessment of how the neighbors feel per se. But it hints that those who want to keep companies like Gant out of smaller SF neighborhoods are outliers. The company has fewer than 11 stores, which is the limit the city will allow for chain-type stores in neighborhoods like the Valley.

It's not too late! You can still vote. We'll revisit the results again next week.
· Gant Moving in on Hayes; the Neighbors Are Not Pleased [Racked SF]
· Gant [Official Site]
· Jack Spade May Replace 25-Year Mainstay in the Mission [Racked SF]