/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50005867/SFO-exterior.0.0.jpg)
Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.
As far as airport shopping in the US goes, San Francisco’s offerings have been top notch for for years, with tenants like Gucci, Burberry, and Hermes hanging out in the international terminal. A recent multi-million dollar renovation to Terminal 3 lifted SFO’s retail cache even more, adding Tom Ford, Jo Malone, 100% Pure, and more stores to the directory.
The Standouts
Gucci
When it opened over 10 years ago, the Gucci store inside SFO was the first luxury boutique inside a US airport. The fashion label’s airport locations are accessory-focused, so expect logo handbags, leather wallets, shoes, sunglasses, and cell phone cases. International Terminal, near gate A1 and G92
100% Pure
This Berkeley-based beauty company makes organic, all-natural products for the whole body. Check out the fruit-dyed lipsticks, eye cream with jasmine tea, toxin-free nail polish, and volumizing shampoo with mint and kelp. Terminal 3, near gate 74
Burberry
Both locations inside the International Terminal have a nice selection of iconic products from this British designer, from purses to trench coats. International Terminal, near gate A5 and G91
SF Moma Museum Store
The best airport storefront for a last-minute gift, the design-y selection here ranges from the whimsical (toy soldiers doing yoga) to practical (sculptural reading lamps). There are also mugs and totes with artsy illustrations, minimalist leather-strapped watches, and canvas backpacks for carrying all that loot to your next destination. International Terminal, pre-security main hall
Mango
It’s not that common to find an everyday apparel brand you would actually seek out in real life inside an airport, but SFO has you covered with not one but two outposts of this Spanish fast fashion brand. Head here for basics you forgot, or a something trendy for your trip. Terminal 2, near boarding area D; Terminal 3, near the entrance to Gates 80–90
Shops by Terminal
Terminals 1 and 2
Unfortunately, these two terminals offer a limited shopping opportunities. Terminal 1 has your typical book and magazine outlets and a Best Buy electronic kiosk. 2 is only slightly better with a Kiehl’s, Mango, and Mosaic Gallery, where you can pick up crafty looking home goods.
Terminal 3
This terminal has a more robust retail selection: Check out organic skincare at 100% Pure, locally designed jewelry at Boucle, high-end beauty products from the combination Jo Malone/Tom Ford/Aveda package near gate 70. There are also trendy fashions at Mango, and if you need some new shades there’s a Sunglass Hut.
International Terminal
This is really where the serious shopping can be done, especially if you’re into brand-name accessories. Coach, Burberry, and Gucci all have two retail outlets in this terminal, plus there outposts of Hermes and Swarovski. Head to San Francisco’s MoMA shop for gifts, or check out one of the several duty free stores spread out through the terminal for beauty products and more accessories.