Ross Dress for Less premiered its second Market Street store in downtown San Francisco this weekend, defying the wave of struggling Union Square retailers.
The new store at 901 Market St., which once housed a Nordstrom Rack and more recently the San Francisco Democratic Party headquarters, is just one block over from Ross’ long-established location at 799 Market St. After the store’s soft launch Friday, a grand opening ceremony was held Saturday.
In the days leading up to the opening, shoppers could be seen approaching Ross’ locked doors and peering in the windows. One pair of tourists passing by described it as the “Primark of San Francisco,” referring to the affordable international clothing retailer…