Visit to Edition, BR's new Accessories Store

I wanted to share some pics and tales from my recent trip to Edition, Banana Republic's new Accessories-focused store. This store is located in the Westfield City Centre shopping mall in downtown San Francisco, and opened in May.

I have visited this store a few times since the opening, and I have to say I am impressed. There is something about seeing only the accessories in one place that really makes a great shopping experience. The staff are helpful and friendly here and eager to explain how the concept store works without being pushy at all.

Here's the entrance in the apparently very dim mall.

I sighted some cute sandals that I hadn't seen from BR before...

The store is set up with a wall of jewelry along one wall. The jewelry is arranged in vignettes by stone or theme. I love the way you can touch all the jewelry, mix and match pieces, etc without it feeling like its behind glass. They also feature a line of charms in initial letters which can be added to a bracelet or a chain necklace--cursive, block, or set on a disc. When I was there last they had just added a line of zodiac charms.

The rest of the store is set up in small "rooms" to peek into. Here I was looking into the center room with handbags, scarves, and the understated cashwrap that is more like a desk.

Another view of the front of the store, showing the front room that showcased summery clutches, sunglasses, rings, etc.

I really recommend a visit to this store if you are in the Bay Area--the SA said they would be getting new merchandise every few weeks. I liked that it was almost a curated collection--the best of regular BR accessories in one accessible place, while adding some unique pieces. The other thing is since its BR, the prices stay the same at doable price points. Last great feature? Its accross from JCrew!

Have any of you heard or been to the store? What do you think? Do you like the idea of a BR accessories-only boutique?