News

Ghirardelli Reopening Flagship Store July 13

Includes LED retrofitted 19-ft., century-old marquee.

Published

2 years ago

July 13, 2023

Signs of the Times Staff

Photography: Albert Law

Ghirardelli Chocolate Co. (San Leandro, CA) has unveiled plans to reopen its flagship store in San Francisco on July 13. The Original Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop, at Ghirardelli Square in the Fisherman’s Wharf complex, had been closed for a six-month renovation.

Among the renovations is the original, 19-ft. Ghirardelli “G” marquee sign. The sign, which turns 100 this year, has been rewired and outfitted with efficient, low-wattage bulbs that look just as they did in 1923, when illuminated displays were much more novel. The remade sign is equipped with a Color Kinetics LED system that enables each letter to independently display a variety of colors.

The Original Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop redesign is the second part of a multi-phase renovation project for the brand at Ghirardelli Square. Last year, the company unveiled a completely reimagined Chocolate Experience Store, Ghirardelli’s other flagship retail space at Ghirardelli Square.

With so many retail establishments closing their doors and leaving San Francisco, this reopening is a welcome respite.

For more information, visit our sister publication VMSD’s website.

Photography: Albert Law

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