It's been four months since we first brought news of Eugene, Oregon-based Will Leather Goods moving in to Hayes Valley. Now, after a brief renovation, the accessories store is almost ready to open its doors at 568 Hayes St.
For the previous 24 years, Will's space was home to Zonal, a multi-faceted interior design shop selling large pieces of art, refinished furniture, and unusual lamps. Zonal's proprietor, Russell Pritchard, moved to Palm Springs earlier this year, and Will quickly snapped up the space.
Most of the work done in the space was foundational, to ensure the old building remains earthquake-resistant. The right-hand wall has been painted a bright white, while the left has been covered in reclaimed wood from an old barn.
Old wooden walls and a vintage Coca-Cola ad. (Photo: Nuala Sawyer/Hoodline)
The main floor of the space will be devoted to both men's and women's wear, with bags, backpacks, belts and other leather accessories.
The basement level has also been renovated, with a set of comfortable, well-worn leather couches. This area is reserved for shoes and hats—the latter of which are a new venture for the company.
Photo: Will Leather Goods
In addition to products, Will's space is also filled with an array of unusual antiques. "My father used to wake up at 5am to hit the flea markets," says director of retail development Shane Adler, who is also Will Adler's daughter. His finds include a portion of an old Coca-Cola advertisement, Oaxacan rugs and old Native American canoes, one of which will be turned into a light fixture.
An antique Native American canoe. (Photo: Nuala Sawyer/Hoodline)
In addition to selling its products, Will Leather Goods will also serve coffee from Eugene-based Tailored Coffee Roasters, a blend that the team developed for their Detroit shop. "It will not be a full-blown coffee shop—not yet at least," Adler tells us. "Just for our friends, neighbors and customers!" A back patio will be open for guests to enjoy a cup of coffee, or use the shop's free wi-fi.
Adler told us the Hayes location will be Will Leather Goods' last, and in her opinion, its best. The company currently operates shops in Eugene; Portland; Venice, CA; Detroit and New York. One strange coincidence: Will's NW 23rd Ave. location in Portland is located right next door to Marine Layer and Public Bikes, boutiques that also have outposts right nearby on Hayes Street.
The shop is opening softly on Monday for Hayes Valley residents, with hours from 11am-7pm daily. The grand-opening celebration will take place on December 7th December 9th. And for anyone who's seeking work in the neighborhood, the shop is currently hiring for both sales associates and sales supervisors.
