
Castro adult gift shop Does Your Mother Know (4141 18th Street) is picking up and moving to the 400 block of Castro Street on January 18.
Does Your Mother Know will move from 18th Street to 450 Castro, formerly men's clothing store Body.
"After 17 wonderful years on 18th Street, Does Your Mother Know is moving to a new location," store managers Marc Graves and Hugo Lopez told Hoodline in a joint statement.
Does Your Mother Know at 4141 18th St. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
"While it’s bittersweet to leave our longtime home, we’re excited about the chance to be right in the center of the community, where we can continue to serve, celebrate, and connect with the vibrant culture we’re proud to be part of," added Graves and Lopez.
Castro business owner Sam Dughman purchased the building in June 2024 for $2.13M. Dughman also owns Rossi's deli just a few doors away from Body.
A convenience store briefly operated out of 450 Castro for about a month before shuttering.
Graves and Lopez tell Hoodline that Does Your Mother Know saw this as an opportunity to move.
Does Your Mother Know will open at 450 Castro on January 18. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
"With our current lease coming to an end, we saw the perfect opportunity to relocate, and after seeing 450 Castro Street vacant for so long, we’re thrilled to bring new energy to the heart of the Castro — one of the most iconic streets in queer culture," explained Graves and Lopez.
An active listing for 4141 18th Street indicates rent for the approximately 1,800-square-foot space is $7,200/month.
Does Your Mother Know will move into a slightly smaller retail space at approximately 1,470 square feet.
Inside Does Your Mother Know. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Does Your Mother Know was founded by owner Louis Ortega in 1979. Originally a greeting card store, the first location was at 4079 18th Street (Hot Johnnie's). Current owner Neil Gelineau purchased the business in 1993.
Gelineau opened Does Your Father Know at 548 Castro (How's It Hanging) in 1995 — that shop closed in 2005.
Window display at Does Your Mother Know (2004). | Photo: Max Kirkeberg/SFSU
Looking to expand, Does Your Mother Know moved to 4141 18th Street in 2008. "With the advent of email and the internet encroaching on birthday greetings, the merchandise in the store changed to the adult gift, novelty, and cards of today," explained Gelineau.
Does Your Mother Know will softly open on Saturday with a grand opening to follow at a later date.
"We look forward to welcoming new customers, neighbors, and partners to our new space, and we’re eager to begin this next chapter," said Graves and Lopez.