SAN FRANCISCO, March 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- How do San Francisco savvy shoppers find the best indie boutiques and traditional shops favored by locals?  The Shopikon Web and Mobile App is a different kind of shopping guide that leads consumers away from the same-old chain stores and lets people discover local retailers in major cities of the world that culturally define each city and give it its individual character.

Today Shopikon announced its launch in San Francisco - one of the most beloved travel destinations in the world - featuring nearly 100 shops and growing everyday.  Founded in New York and Vienna, the company has launched in London, Paris, New York, Barcelona, Vienna and Berlin. 

With its team of on-the-ground editors scouring San Francisco, Shopikon has carefully identified stores that are part of the community in support of the independent businesses that keep the local shopping and e-commerce scene alive and well.  "Buying something from an independent business feels better than buying it at the department store," said Phillip Sulke, co-founder and CEO of Shopikon.  "In the near future, users will have the ability to purchase products on the platform, thus creating a personal connection to the true soul of a city's culture - its shopkeepers, its designers, its trends and its community." 

Leave it to Shopikon's resident experts to uncover a hidden gem such as Little Vine, a gourmet shop found in one of the only quiet areas in North Beach or niche books on skateboarding and graffiti in the Mission's Needles & Pens or even the self-proclaimed "clothing nerds" of Maas & Stacks in the Castro.  Shopikon is the ultimate guide to indie stores and unique products in the city by the Bay, including home decor, apparel, boutiques, specialty books, gourmet shops and other local finds.

Searchable by neighborhood or product, Shopikon's free application features reviews, beautiful photos and contact information, including transportation routes.  Users can easily map nearby stores and find other recommendations by store owners and save shops to "My List" that can be easily synced across platforms.  The Shopikon iPhone App is available for free in the App store.

For more information, please contact press@shopikon.com or visit http://www.shopikon.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Becky Aoanan
becky_aoanan@yahoo.com

SOURCE Shopikon