establish

It’s a local business, which is great. The items might seem pricey, but they’re of excellent quality. This is one of those stores where you want to buy everything. And who doesn’t love Burnz? He’s some good eye candy.

I have been to this store 4 times total. The first time I went in, I loved the merchandise! They have some really interesting things, unique and fun. The last 3 times I have been back, the store has been closed, twice in the middle of the day, and once in the early evening, despite the sign advertising the hours indicating the store should be open. Today, I went by at 12pm, and again at 12:45, both times closed, but the sign said opening was at 10am.
Very frustrating, and I won’t be trying again. Hours should be as advertised, especially if people make plans based on the advertised hours.

I rarely come here despite living so close but when I do, customer service is on point! The owner did a fine job with his selection of merchandise and local artists crafts. It’s always fun coming in. The store is an awesome addition to Hillcrest!

Be not fooled. This is just a repository of things you can get elsewhere for much cheaper. I’m not talking about similar things. I’m talking the exact same things. For example, they are trying to sell a $ 250 IKEA rug for over $ 1200. I know because I have that very same rug. Not a similar rug. THAT EXACT RUG. Is that even legal?
And the same is true of most of their other things. Nothing unique here.

Wandered in here last Friday evening and decided to come back to buy my gf a unique Bday gift today. GREAT STORE! The owner was so friendly and helpful and took the time and care to ask about what I wanted, what my friend was like, etc etc… The owner (his name is «Burns».yes, cool name for cool guy) showed me all over the place and pointed out things I was overlooking.
The shop is full (but not over stuffed) of eclectic gifts from beautiful gold leaf trays to hand made gorgeous jewelry to candle, clocks, flasks, etc etc.
If you want something different for your home, or for a unique hostess/​host gift this is the place. This is not a kitschy shop– this is a classy one. Stylish, comfortable, beautiful and wonderful addition to University Ave.

Ever since House Boi closed down a few years back, that stretch of University Ave running through Hillcrest east of the 163 seemed a bit lacking in the «eclectic housewares» department.
But then Establish came to the rescue.
Establish is a bit of a conundrum. It sells incredibly cool stuff — scented candles that smell like kale… bed linens with pictures of horses on them… porcelain statues of dalmatians (don’t ask), inflatable picture frames (again, don’t ask)… and that’s just scratching the surface.
The problem is, I can’t see myself buying any of it. To me, it all screams «trying too hard». I guess I like design that’s a little more classic?
The centerpiece of Establish is, undoubtedly, the Mood rocking bed. I wonder if anyone will ever buy it. It may be the least practical bed in the universe, but it sure looks cool.
Service is friendly; prices are high. Those are pretty much par for the course for a Hillcrest boutique.
Despite my random gripes and cynicism, Establish is a fun little store. I’d totally get myself some tchochkes or gifts if there were a sale.
(Pro tip: Establish has a pretty awesome and detailed website. Check it out to get a feel of the merchandise if you’re unsure whether you want to go.)

There are so many unique items in this store. They’ve really stocked up since they first opened. There is always some thing for everyone in this unique home goods store.

Discovered ‘establish.’ on my way to Obelisk, while having a vacation shopping morning around Hillcrest. The owner was warm and friendly and answered all of my product questions. The product assortment is well curated home décor and some fashion accessories. The store is on the pricey side, but tends to offer items that are eco-​friendly or made in America. I don’t mind splurging on vacation, for the right item. The fact that this is a small business and offers conscientious protucts makes it easier to part with my money. Also, nearly everything is somewhat unique and unlike what I’ve seen in chain stores.
I left with a cute upcycled bag (made from bicycle tires) from Alchemy Goods and an ‘Obama birth certificate’ themed serving plate. Very happy with my purchases. This is one more must visit store when I visit San Diego.

Urban, vintage and upcycled-​eco-​friendly home gifts curated by Burnz Fernandez (HGTV’s The White Room Challenge Champion). Very cool gift store in the heart of Hillcrest, catering mostly men I would say. I went during one of those ‘shop local’ campaign and could not resist to get some Christmas gifts, like a heavy, beautiful and perfectly crafted comb. Lots of design items. I fell in love with that swing bed that serves as central piece of decoration at the store, I think is the best you can get there… only if I had where to put it! The luxuriously scented candle collection is certainly a first start here.