Struggling, decades-old Bay Area legacy brand turns to community for help

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — A 40-year-old legacy brand in the Bay Area — that gained traction through word of mouth — is again turning to the community as it’s being forced to close two of its stores.

Cotton Basics opened in 1982 and designs and manufactures clothing in the U.S., all made from natural fibers. The company says a shift in consumer shopping trends has caused it to fall on uncertain times.

“Cotton Basics has thrived for 40 years with nothing but word of mouth — no advertising, no marketing,” said the company on its GoFundMe page. “But the world has changed. With so many people shopping online, our brick-and-mortar model can’t survive on local foot traffic alone.”

The company’s GoFundMe has a $30,000 goal and has so far netted $965.

“With rising costs and an uncertain economy in the years since the pandemic, we’ve had to make the heartbreaking decision to close two of our stores. And now, unless things change quickly, we’re at risk of closing more,” said the company.

Cotton Basics says its leases are up at the end of 2025 which is spearheading the urgency of the crowd fundraising.

“We ask if Cotton Basics has ever meant something to you — whether it’s a favorite tee, a shared memory, or the feeling of buying something made local with care — that you consider supporting us in any way you can.”

The company asks that if people are unable to donate that they contribute in other ways like volunteering and spreading the word.

Those who wish to help can visit here.