Uniqlo is set to open a new flagship store in San Francisco on Friday. The clothing retailer is set to open its new flagship at 4th and Market, a space that’s long been vacant.  According to the mayor’s office the new store will employ more than 80 people and, hopefully, draw new energy d owntown. “Uniqlo is investing in a really big way in 20,000 square foot space right in down Market Street. They had left the area a few years back, and so they decided they really needed to back in our downtown market and we’re thrilled to have them,” Executive Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development Anne Taupier said. The retailer has been in San Francisco before, but closed its store on Powell Street in 2021, being one of many retailers that left as the pandemic deepened.   These days, the city says they are seeing a big return of retail in downtown and Union Square, and this opening could help send a signal. “I think it sends a signal, and we watch these retailers and other businesses when they see someone investing in a downtown they want to know are missing an opportunity to be downtown,” Taupier said. The store also say it expects to offer exclusive merchandise that embraces the San Francisco spirit through collaboration. There’s also a street festival planned to mark its opening as well.   In a statement, the retailer’s United States CEO said in part, “Uniqlo is investing in downtown because we believe in its future and want to be part of the energy returning to the neighborhood.” ...read more read less