New in the Neighborhood: Rare Device

New in the Neighborhood: Rare Device
Andrew Dudley
Published on March 15, 2012
2012 is shaping up to be a big year for the three-block stretch of Divisadero between Fell and Fulton. Before the year is out, the street will see the openings of a new Bi-Rite market and scoop shop, a cafe/bakery from the owner of Four Barrel Coffee, a San Franpsycho retail shop, and, perhaps, a new restaurant claiming the currently-gutted space at 507 Divisadero. And tonight, to kick it all off: the grand opening of Rare Device at the corner of Divisadero and Hayes.

Owners Giselle and Phurba Gyalzen were still working on the final touches when we stopped by yesterday to check out the space, but overall things looked nearly complete. The shop, which until January was located at 1845 Market Street, will continue to sell a wide range of unique products. There are shelves lined with books, plants, and gifts, a table full of housewares and kitchen items, and unexpected foodstuffs including boxes of pasta and jars of handmade jams. Much of Rare Device's inventory is locally made. There's lip gloss from Elizabeth Street cosmetics and perfume from L'Aromatica (both based in San Francisco), and the back wall is lined with art by Potrero Hill's 3 Fish Studios.
There's even honey from Giselle's backyard in Bernal Heights, jarred by her beekeeping friend/neighbor.
Within the shop, there's a dedicated section operated by Little Otsu, a publisher and paper goods shop based out of Portland. They've got a huge selection of cards for sale, plus stationery, notebooks, art, and more.
Finally, if you're in the market for children's items, check out the back of the store, where you'll find plenty of kids' clothes and toys.
Giselle and Phurba, along with Yvonne from Little Otsu, told us they're excited about the new location, after having spent 6 to 8 months looking for a new space. None of them were very familiar with the area, but a friend of Giselle's who lived a couple of blocks away (and was vocally pro-Divisadero), inspired Giselle to consider the neighborhood. Once she saw the space at 600 Divis, with its corner location and high ceilings, Giselle knew it was the right place for the shop. Tonight, Rare Device will be hosting a grand opening party from 5-10pm, with refreshments and bites from Simply Mochi, Pandan_La, and Banh Mi Love You Long Time. Stop by and say hello, and welcome these new additions to the neighborhood. And if you can't make it tonight, be sure to check them out during regular business hours. Rare Device will be open Tuesdays thru Fridays from 12pm to 8pm, Saturdays from 11am to 7pm, and Sundays from 11am to 6pm.