Retailers are on edge as reservations for Burning Man are slow to arrive

SAN FRANCISCO — For the first time in a decade, Burning Man has not sold out. Declining ticket sales are impacting some San Francisco businesses as purchases also slowly ramp up for the annual arts festival and pilgrimage in northern Nevada's Black Rock Desert.

Kimono Dave in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury neighborhood is one of the most popular places to get clothing for Burning Man.

“Anything that reacts to black light is going to be a big hit out there,” said Dave Carr, owner of Kimono Dave. “You want to be seen. You might want to wear something you wouldn't wear in normal life. This is basically the prototypical piece that no one walks around in.”

On Thursday evening, customers crowded into the store looking for the coveted piece from Kimono Dave.

“This piece really took my brand to the next level,” Carr said. “It reacts so strongly to black light and is so easy to layer over any layer.”

Carr said he sees signs that business will pick up after the slow start to the Burning Man season.

“Sales are down this year,” Carr said. “For anyone who does anything like I do, anything related to festival culture, sales are down. Major music festivals across the country are struggling, have been canceled or postponed.”

Carr isn't the only business owner noticing declining sales.

“Starting this weekend, the world will either end or not,” said Uti of Piedmont Boutique.

Uti has been in the business for 52 years. She says 20 percent of her business depends on Burning Man sales. Most of the pieces are made in-house and she has unique and practical items for every burner.

“The purpose of these shoe covers is to keep the playa dust, which is like talcum powder, off the ground and prevent it from falling into your shoes,” Uti explained.

With 10 days to go before Burning Man kicks off, companies are gearing up for a busy week. These boutiques have provided burners with the essentials for an event that will provide companies with a place to showcase their masterpieces.

“That was by far the most satisfying moment of my life – and it's been the last two years in a row,” Carr said. “Basically, I was walking through an art gallery full of people and happened to see my own work on people walking around and having fun. It's incredible.”

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