As it celebrates its 20th anniversary, jewelry retailer Catbird is continuing its U.S. expansion with its first San Francisco store and plans to open three more locations on the East Coast within the next 12 months, the Brooklyn-based brand says.
Catbird’s location in the City by the Bay is on Fillmore Street and opens Sept. 18, says Leigh Batnick Plessner, chief creative officer for the beloved demi-fine jewelry store chain. Catbird also has locations across New York City—Brooklyn, SoHo, and Rockefeller Center—as well as in Boston, Georgetown, and Los Angeles.
The 2124 Fillmore Street Catbird seeks to show how the brand has thoughtfully grown over the past two decades and its dedication to creating location-based experiences and jewelry for each of its stores, Batnick Plessner says. Catbird has held several pop-up shops in San Francisco, so opening a store there felt like the right next step.
“Our goal has always been to grow purposefully and carefully. We listen to what our loyal customers want and do our due diligence researching each market to ensure we are truly setting down roots where our customers are,” Batnick Plessner says. “The San Francisco store is a true testament to that.”
For example, Catbird is releasing three exclusive charms at its San Francisco store that are inspired by the city’s landmarks and favorite foods. The charms are the Trolley, Sourdough Toast, and Karl the Fog, and all of them are made with the brand’s signature 14k recycled gold.
The San Francisco store is as dramatic as its city with one-of-a-kind embellishments including gingham lampshades, tiger-print velvet, black lace curtains, an antique flower chandelier, and lots of cases filled with Catbird’s demi-fine jewelry. It also will have the brand’s longtime permanent jewelry station, known as Forever or Zap bracelets.
Batnick Plessner says Catbird makes every effort to ensure each of its locations has the same vibe as its original store.
“We strive to spread joy—not only to our customers but also to emerging designers and local artisans that we so enjoy working with,” Batnick Plessner says. “We like celebrating just as much as our customers do.”
At its San Francisco store, Catbird will partner with local artisans for in-store activations and invite the community in, Batnick Plessner says. On Sept. 18, its grand opening will feature Russ & Daughters black-and-white cookies for shoppers, bringing a taste of New York to San Francisco. On Sept. 20, any customer making a $200-or-more purchase will receive a mini–floral boutique from San Francisco-based florist FloralGal Kel.
Catbird also will continue its Catbird Giving Fund donations with San Francisco in mind. Since 2014, its philanthropic arm has raised more than $2 million to give to nonprofit partners in areas such as women’s rights, girls’ education, environmental conservation, social and racial justice, housing and food security, and more, Batnick Plessner says.
Catbird’s 20th anniversary feels like a milestone and then some because of the hard work it took to get to this moment, Batnick Plessner says.
“We’re feeling incredibly proud and excited,” Batnick Plessner says. “We’ve always strived to create jewelry for every occasion so that it can be a part of the many chapters, seasons, and milestones throughout our customers’ lives.”
Top: Catbird founder Rony Vardi and chief creative officer Leigh Batnick Plessner are celebrating the brand’s 20th anniversary with new store openings, including San Francisco (photos courtesy of Catbird).
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