Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
The beauty supply store Sephora temporarily closed their existing Broadway Plaza location in Walnut Creek and will be reopening this Friday, June 7th around the corner where Makers Market used to be. Four years ago Sephora got a facelift at this location so I wonder what changes are in store.
The Veranda, Concord
For several years people have been lamenting the closure of the Walnut Creek Barnes & Noble but good things come to those who wait with the long awaited opening tomorrow, May 22nd, of a new Barnes & Noble store at the Veranda shopping center in Concord. Although the 12,000 square foot one story store is smaller than the Walnut Creek location, thanks to a new contemporary design featuring low profile bookcases, tall ceilings and spacious aisles it feels much larger and airy. In addition to a Starbucks cafe to the side there is outdoor seating, a communal table, comfortable chairs and counter top seating by the window which includes both outlets and even USB ports for charging. So as long as you can grab a parking spot this will be a great place to hang out.
The children’s section at the back left includes a large DUPLO LEGO activity table with plenty of reading selections for kids. There are also record, Nook, stationery, gift and other sections as well as a wide selection of non fiction and fiction books including regional recommendations targeted to local interests. Interestingly, in addition to publicly available kiosks where you can search for in stock books employees will also be roaming around with tablets where you can get help and best of all, pay for your books right there with no need to wait in line which is great!
Watch for book signings and community events at this space with Claire Booth, author of The Branson Beauty and other books appearing this Sunday, May 26th. Don’t forget to check plenty of photos of the inside including the children’s area and more after the jump.
More photos of the inside after the jump…
Lafayette Clocktower
Luck, a “high-end clothing and lifestyle” boutique, has relocated from their tucked away Lafayette Forge location to a prime spot at Lafayette Clocktower on Mt. Diablo Blvd. This new spot is a lot more spacious and feels bright and airy with its tall ceilings and light interior. Check out their online selection here.
Willows Shopping Center, Concord
In February we learned that Half Price Books would be closing across from Todos Santos Plaza in Concord and I noted back then that Half Price Books would be a great addition to the Willows shopping center especially in terms of competing with the soon-to-open Barnes & Noble next door at The Veranda. It looks like I’m not the only one who thought that because according to the City of Concord Facebook page they plan on reopening late November or early December at the Willows shopping center where Aaron Brothers used to be.
This seems like a smaller spot than before but I’m glad to see them returning to Concord and to have two bookstores within walking distance is going to be great!
3603 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Over three years ago we learned about a new Chase bank coming to the corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Dewing Ave. in Lafayette and they are now open. Inside are a few fancy-looking ATM machines where you can do a lot of things like pay your credit card etc.
Note that I’m not so sure the special limited time offer they have posted on their window is so “special” because I’m constantly getting much better $600 Chase offers (for years) delivered to my post office box down the block.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
In February we learned that San Francisco-based Padis Jewelry would be opening a new store this spring at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek featuring De Beers Forevermark Diamonds. Interestingly, the opening signage has been changed from spring to summer and the Padis branding has been dropped. However, the Broadway Plaza directory still lists “Forevermark by Padis Jewelry”.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
A couple of years ago the American-made, handcrafted goods boutique Makers Market first opened at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek but eventually relocated within the plaza to where Kit and Ace used to be. Last week they relocated once again, this time back to their original spot across from Nordstrom. With the recently opened Apple store nearby it looks much better around there. Find out more about Makers Market and check out their online selection here. With Mother’s Day coming up you should drop by to check out their gift selection if you’re in the area.
Previous location:
2099 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Walnut Creek
The online bike store R&A Cycles is planning to open a new retail location in Walnut Creek where The Golf Mart used to be according to the latest Walnut Creek permit information. Judging from the amount of cyclists on the road lately this looks like a smart move to open here.
From their website:
R&A Cycles is the destination for premium bikes, bike accessories, bike parts, and cycling apparel. We have an online bike shop with international shipping, retail bike store in Brooklyn, New York, and Northern California bike shop opening 2019. R&A Cycles are specialists in road bikes, triathlon, track, mountain bikes, electric bikes, cyclocross & gravel. Our extensive range of high quality cycling products includes bikes, bike frames, wheels, helmets, shoes, jerseys, computers, lights, indoor trainers, tires, sports nutrition and more. We also stock a huge selection of running, swimming and triathlon accessories and apparel.
Say it ain’t so! Half Price Books is closing this Sunday, May 5th in Concord. Don’t miss the reception and hopefully they’ll reopen somewhere else in Concord…
From a PR:
We are still hopeful we’ll find a new location in the area, but it won’t be before we close in Downtown Concord this Sunday, May 5.
As we prepare to close our doors, we would like to take the time to thank our Concord community for the overwhelming support they’ve shown during this transition. We’ll host a special send-off reception at the store on Sunday, May 5, from 3 to 6 p.m. We hope people will stop by to share their favorite HPB Concord memories with the staff and fellow booklovers.
City Center Bishop Ranch, San Ramon
The women’s clothing store Anthropologie opened recently at City Center Bishop Ranch in San Ramon, relocating from Blackhawk Plaza in Danville.