Last week, Faire hosted Reshaping Retail, a one-day, live event focused on helping independent businesses thrive in today’s evolving retail landscape. Held at Faire’s San Francisco Headquarters and streamed virtually, we brought together hundreds of retailers for a full day of learning, inspiration, and connection. 

As an online wholesale platform connecting more than 20,000 retailers and brands across the Bay Area – and hundreds of thousands around the world – we see firsthand how innovation and support can transform local commerce. Reshaping Retail was designed to create space for that transformation, offering practical insights and peer connection for the community at the heart of independent retail.

A City Committed to Small Business

To close out the day, we welcomed a dynamic panel of city leaders and small business advocates for a timely conversation on the future of local retail. The discussion explored policies, tools, and resources designed to help entrepreneurs in San Francisco succeed. The Honorable Daniel Lurie closed out the day’s programming by sharing powerful remarks on the city’s commitment to small businesses. He underscored his administration’s focus on revitalizing San Francisco’s downtown core, improving public safety, and expanding vibrant retail zones throughout the city. 

“We’re creating an environment for your success. From flexible zoning to entertainment districts, we’re making San Francisco a 24/7 destination. And we’re not just talking about the future, we’re building it.”

Faire co-founder and COO Jeff Kolovson moderated the panel, which featured Chris Horton, District Director at the U.S. Small Business Administration, and Cammy Blackstone, Board Chair at the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. Together, they shared practical advice and critical resources – from government-funded consulting to neighborhood merchant walks that foster deeper community connections.

“There is no reason any small business should ever feel alone,” said Chris. “Your tax dollars fund organizations like the SBA, the SBDC, and more. That means you have a personal consulting firm at your fingertips, ready to help you through every stage of your business – from idea to succession.” 

Cammy echoed the importance of neighborhood-level support and shared the Chamber’s efforts to celebrate small businesses, including the success of Small Business Week and ongoing advocacy to cut through red tape. 

“The best businesses in San Francisco reflect the personalities of their neighborhoods. We want to help them tell their stories, and make sure policy helps them grow.”

A Shared Mission

As a company founded in San Francisco and deeply embedded in its entrepreneurial community, Faire believes that small businesses are the lifeblood of our neighborhoods. This event was created to bring together voices from both public and private sectors who share a common commitment: ensuring local businesses have the support they need to thrive.

We’re grateful to the community of entrepreneurs who joined us, and to our city leaders for their partnership and advocacy. We’re proud to be building the future of local commerce together. 

You can watch the panel and other content from Reshaping Retail on Faire’s YouTube.