Shopping – Page 155 – Beyond the Creek

Judging Toy Stores – Five Little Monkeys in Walnut Creek

May 23, 2013 8:30 am

Over the past year it seems as if every baby store has closed in downtown Walnut Creek and Lafayette. Day One, Giggle, Tulip and The Right Start have all closed. I was worried what might happen to the toy store Five Little Monkeys in downtown Walnut Creek but it turns out that Walnut Creek is their second highest grossing location after their Albany location and they plan on opening a new store in Burlingame.

Located at 1366 N Main St. in the heart of downtown Walnut Creek, Five Little Monkeys offers a huge selection of high quality toys at all price points. Having two small kids I’ve shopped here a lot and have always found interesting toys to get with the help of the employees. For birthday party gifts I just tell them whether it’s for a boy or girl and the age and they know exactly the types of toys to recommend. As a special offer to readers, mention “Beyond the Creek” through May 31st, 2013 and you can receive 15% off your purchase, may not be combined with any other offer and is only valid for the Walnut Creek location.

Check out the inside:

Photos of the old school toys and baby section after the jump…

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Hallmark Closing in Moraga by the End of June

May 22, 2013 8:30 am

Hallmark is closing at the Moraga Shopping Center at 1460 Moraga Rd by the end of June so stop by for discounted items throughout the store. I’ve never seen so much floor space devoted to greeting cards in my life.

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Maserati of Walnut Creek Opens on N. Broadway

May 20, 2013 8:30 am

Thanks to a reader for sending word that Maserati of Walnut Creek has opened up in the former Saab location on N. Broadway near Ygnacio Valley Rd. So if you notice more Maseratis around town you’ll know why. And if Maseratis don’t suit you they also carry Ferraris in their showroom.

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Lesley Evers Boutique Opens in Lafayette

May 15, 2013 8:30 am

Last week I noted that a new pop up boutique Lesley Evers would be opening in downtown Lafayette in La Fiesta Square and they have now opened. They also have a location in Rockridge. Lesley Evers is a local designer living in the East Bay. Read more about her here.

If you’re a fan of mid-century design you’ll love the inside of this store.

Front of the store:

Check out more photos of the inside after the jump…

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Steinway & Sons Opening in June in Downtown Walnut Creek

May 13, 2013 8:30 am

Back in April I noted that Sherman Clay Pianos would be closing in Walnut Creek and it turns out that Steinway & Sons has purchased Sherman Clay Bay Area locations and will transition the Walnut Creek and San Francisco stores to Steinway & Sons stores according to this press release. According to a Steinway & Sons employee I contacted plans are for the store to reopen under Steinway & Sons in June. Great news for piano lovers!

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The Treasure Trove Moving to New Location in Lafayette May 15th

May 9, 2013 8:30 am

The Treasure Trove is moving from their location next to where Petar’s used to be in downtown Lafayette to a new location behind Peet’s Coffee in the Lafayette Plaza Center where Whole Foods is. The address is 3506-H Mt. Diablo Blvd.

From their website:

The Treasure Trove is a custom interiors studio specializing in window treatments, wallpapers, upholstery, bed coverings, decorative pillows, slipcovers, cushions, carpeting, and other home furnishings.

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Pop Up Alert – Lesley Evers Boutique Opening May 14th in Lafayette

May 8, 2013 8:30 am

Back in February I noted the closing of baby/kids store Tulip in downtown Lafayette and a new pop up fashion boutique featuring designs by Lesley Evers will be opening in this location on Mt. Diablo Blvd. next Tuesday, May 14th according to the La Fiesta Square Facebook page. They also have a boutique in Rockridge on College Ave, and their clothing is made in the USA. Learn more about Lesley Evers here.

From their website:

Crisp colors, bold graphics and artful fabrics, combined with clean lines and a meticulous attention-to-detail are the hallmarks that make the Lesley Evers both modern and nostalgic.

Inspired by a mid-century aesthetic, our original, signature textiles and designs are described as classic, feminine, and playful, with a nod to the 1960s and 1970s.

Giant poster of a mid-century inspired look:

The Lesley Evers pop up boutique will be located at 3535 Mt Diablo Blvd. in downtown Lafayette in La Fiesta Square.

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The Baker’s Box Opens in Walnut Creek at Liberty Bell Plaza

May 7, 2013 11:30 am

The bakery The Baker’s Box has recently opened up shop at Liberty Bell Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek. This is a one woman operation who does everything. Originally based out of Richmond owner Sherri Nichelman plans on relocating the kitchen to Back to the Table Cooking School & production kitchen in Lafayette. One thing I immediately noticed was her square cookies. Square cookies! How cool is that?I also learned that she only uses organic flour as well as fruit from her own backyard to use in her baked goods. I tried a backyard meyer lemon macaroon “cocomo” that was excellent. Sherri plans on trying out this Walnut Creek location for the next month and depending how it goes she’d like to stay year-round so check it out ASAP. She’s always looking for new ideas on what to bake so feel free to make suggestions and you may just see your idea baked the following day.

From her Facebook page:

With the idea that there’s nothing better than freshly made baked goods from your home, The Baker’s Box brings you updated versions of traditional recipes that are skillfully made with quality ingredients. While utilizing local sources, the menu items are seasonally driven, made especially for you, one batch at a time.

Check out her website here. You can even order online. The Baker’s Box is located at the Liberty Bell Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek where Il Fornaio and H&M are located.

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Scuttlebutt – Backside of Broadway Plaza to Close in 2014

May 7, 2013 8:30 am

Back in March of last year I noted the Broadway Plaza demolition possibilities in Walnut Creek to make way for larger stores with possible mixed development i.e. apartments and it looks like plans are moving full steam ahead. Word on the street is that the backside of Broadway Plaza where the smaller shops are located such as See’s Candies and Boudin Bakery will be closing sometime in 2014 so construction can begin.

Apparently no leases are being offered past December and judging by the number of empty storefronts it’s making more sense now. There was already one open spot, and now AZM Jewelers is gone, as is As Seen on TV. Flares Bridal has closed their 2nd addition but still retains another presence a few stores down.

In addition I’m also hearing that Macerich, the owner of Broadway Plaza is actively working with retail stores to place them elsewhere in Broadway Plaza. So you may see a few of these stores moving nearby eventually.

2015 is right around the corner though so new stores will eventually open back up, possibly where the parking lot is currently located. Keep in mind this is only scuttlebutt, nothing has been confirmed yet.

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Swan’s Fine Books Opens in Downtown Walnut Creek

May 6, 2013 8:30 am

A couple of weeks ago I noted that Swan’s Fine Books would be opening in downtown Walnut Creek on Locust. St. behind The Kitchen Table Store and they are now open for business. This is no ordinary bookstore as they focus on collectible books such as a first edition Huckleberry Finn and a one-of-a-kind San Francisco guidebook from the 19th Century. They even have a page from a 15th Century bible.

The inside of the store has wooden bookshelves and sitting areas throughout with the walls decorated with old movie posters from John Steinbeck novels such as Cannery Row. It’s a cool store to browse around. In addition to collectible books they have more affordable editions starting at around $15.

The inside is warmly decorated:

Check out more photos after the jump…

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