3631 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Thanks to a reader for pointing out that Your CBD Store opened recently in the Lafayette shopping center right near Johnny’s Donuts. According to their website, phone and online orders are available. Find out more about the products here and check for updates on the Lafayette Facebook page here.
When it comes to grocery shopping it’s basically impossible to maintain six feet social distancing orders. I’m glad Trader Joe’s in downtown Walnut Creek limited access to maintain space but even so I felt really uncomfortable as I browsed aisle after aisle so close to people trying to stock up on groceries. I wondered if they had the virus, and they no doubt furtively glanced at me thinking the same.
At Safeway the following day I decided to wear an N-95 mask that I had for last year’s Bay Area fires, and although it was rather uncomfortable and awkward, especially at first, the peace of mind after the trip made it worthwhile. I did notice people giving me more space which worked out well. Am I being a bit neurotic? It seemed like the majority of people were not wearing masks but were concerned, and a few people had little concern at all.
How do you find grocery shopping these days?
850 S. Broadway, Walnut Creek
Despite the morbid news emanating throughout our region and the world, life goes on as Swan’s Fine Books, which opened about seven years ago in downtown Walnut Creek, is planning to relocate to the newly remodeled historic Walnut Creek train station where Vic Stewart’s used to be. Before it was demolished I was able to snap a photo of the exposed Southern Pacific Rail Car which was super cool to encounter. Check out Swan’s online shop which remains open here.
From their website:
Our specialities are Fine Press, Illustrated, and Artist books, and it is these that you will most likely find on our web site and at book fairs. We particularly love the early British fine presses, such as the Kelmscott Press, the Ashendene Press, the Cresset Press, and the Golden Cockerel Press. Illustrators of which we are particularly fond include Arthur Rackham, Edmund Dulac, and Eric Gill – but there are so many it’s impossible to name them all.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Not the greatest timing for a new store but SoCal-based men’s clothing store TravisMathew opened over the weekend at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek. Interestingly there is a tabletop video game (Pac-Man I think), which you can see in the photo below at left. Too bad nobody can go out to see it. Since parts of SoCal are shutting down as well it’ll be a while before online orders are delivered but you can check out their online selection here.
From their website:
Due to the Orange County Ordinance issued on March 17th regarding COVID-19 requiring businesses to temporarily shut down, the TravisMathew office and warehouse will be closed until end of day March 31st at the earliest. Unfortunately, orders will see a delay in shipment until at least this date. Thank you and be safe!
Vanguard Properties is relocating around the corner from Lafayette Circle to Dewing Ave. in Lafayette. In the meantime you can find them at 455 Moraga Rd. in Moraga. Rumor on the street is a restaurant plans to open in this spot. Stay tuned…
971 Dewing Ave, Lafayette
La Fiesta Square, Lafayette
Thanks to a reader for sending word that Sugi Fine Bedding & Gifts is closing at La Fiesta Square in Lafayette. As you can see in the above photo there is currently a 40% off sale.
Encina Grande, Walnut Creek
AAA is relocating from their downtown Walnut Creek location at Plaza Escuela to Encina Grande where Leslie’s Pool Supplies used to be (since moved to nearby Citrus Marketplace).
Plaza Escuela, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for sending the above photo showing that the Golden State Warriors Team Store, which opened a few years ago in downtown Walnut Creek across from Broadway Plaza, has closed. Considering the Warriors last place standing, this is not at all surprising. You may recall that in January the Giants Dugout store closed as well, right next door.
1997 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for sending word that Rite Aid will be closing in Walnut Creek’s Tice Valley neighborhood. According to one employee I spoke with, March 22nd will be their last day.
