Uniqlo's return to Downtown San Francisco offers hope for struggling mid-market district

Long lines of shoppers stretched outside Uniqlo's newest flagship store Friday as the Japanese clothing retailer celebrated its return to Downtown San Francisco with a free street festival featuring local musicians and performers.The store, located at 801 Market Street at the corner of Fourth Street, opened Friday morning. Spanning two floors and 20,000 square feet, it is the largest Uniqlo location on the West Coast. The store also features San Francisco-themed clothing available exclusively at the location.For city officials and downtown supporters, the opening represents more than a new shopping destination. It offers another sign of life in the Mid-Market neighborhood, which has struggled with vacant storefronts and declining business activity in recent years."It's really great for the recovery of downtown," said San Francisco resident Samantha Wrightson, who attended the opening with her mother, Joyce Chartock."I haven't spent that much time downtown in the last few years," Wright