God, how I miss Ross Dress for Less. I’d venture to say I miss Ross more than any other commercial establishment in San Francisco. Which is pretty fucking lame of me for a city teeming with creatively minded independent businesses. But god, it’s true. It’s heartbreakingly true.

Dare I say the city’s best Ross was a mere five minutes from the Potrero Hill house I lived in for a while. Probably 40 percent of my wardrobe originated there. It had designer markdowns. It had oversized polyester tees made by obscure overseas brands called things like “Dreamcatcher” or “Urban Connection.” They cost $4.99 and were so, so shitty but still worth the price.

This Ross had size 10 shoes. This was the place I bought my shoes in San Francisco. Fuck John Fluevog in the Haight. Fuck those designer shoe boutiques on Hayes. Girls with big feet who live in San Francisco: Go to Ross at Bryant and Potrero. Every Nordstrom in the country sends their overstocked size 10s there. Please, enjoy it for me.

There are Ross stores in Chicago. But none as conveniently located. It’s a good thing. I’m saving money. (I actually am. I dropped by Ross in San Francisco at least once a week and rarely escaped for less than $30.) There’s a Marshall’s nearby, which might be my next discount clothing frontier.

Until then though, I love you, Ross in Potrero Center. We shall meet again.