Stray Kids Merchandise Draws Fans to Oracle Park Ahead of Concert

SAN FRANCISCO — As the clock ticks down to Wednesday night’s performance, Oracle Park buzzes with excitement, drawing K-pop enthusiasts eager to snag exclusive Stray Kids merchandise.

Across the street, Bar Via has transformed into a vibrant hub of activity, showcasing an array of Stray Kids items instead of its usual cocktail offerings.

“I had no clue,” remarked Barbara Perzigian, general manager of Hotel and Bar Via. “I didn’t know what to expect.”

Perzigian noted that the last K-pop concert at Oracle didn’t attract a large bar crowd, prompting her decision to utilize the space for merchandise sales this time around.

“This isn’t your typical concert fare,” she observed, surveying the eclectic selection. “No t-shirts or sweatshirts, but there’s a lot of unique items.”

Fans eagerly gathered outside, peering through windows before the pop-up event commenced. “What I wasn’t ready for was the line of people down the street trying to get in and buy merchandise before we even began to set up,” Perzigian explained.

Despite being asked to return on Wednesday morning for the official opening, eager fans were already making purchases outside Oracle Park.

Kylie Dewar proudly displayed her haul: “I got one of the evil skzoo shirts, two tour shirts, sweatpants, and a baseball jersey.”

Dewar and her friend Destiny Perez traveled from Sacramento, determined to secure their merchandise before it sold out. “We’ll be back at four in the morning because we have GA VIP tickets and want a good spot,” Perez shared.

The boy band’s limited tours and global fanbase create a fervor that Cynthia Mata, visiting from Southern California, knows all too well. “It’s been a while since they’ve been here in North America; that’s why tickets sold out within an hour,” she explained.

Mata arrived directly from the airport to the merchandise sale, even purchasing items to share with fellow fans. “Once you’re in line for concerts, you start making friends. There’s this culture of giving out freebies—bracelets, phone accessories,” she added.

Back at Bar Via, Perzigian admits she finds it hard to relate. “Feel old? Yeah,” she laughed. Yet, she recognizes the positive impact concerts like this have on the community.

“We love the concerts over there,” Perzigian said. “It brings in extra business and excitement for the city. We need the city to emerge and become vibrant again.”

The pop-up store at Bar Via will operate Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 3 a.m. Thursday and will reopen Thursday morning from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.