Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
A couple of weeks ago we learned that the baby and children’s clothing store Monica + Andy would be coming to Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek and as you can see in the above photo the Coming Soon signage is up with an expected opening timeframe of “Holiday 2017”. Considering it’s almost December this means they are hurrying to open ASAP for the all-important holiday shopping season.
The Veranda, Concord
If the Willows Shopping Center were a person how do you think they would feel that Cost Plus World Market left them for The Veranda, a new shopping center located right next door? Anyway, there are eclectic things to be found at Cost Plus which makes for fun browsing. I ended up buying a chocolate video game controller made in Germany of all things! The smile on my son’s face made it a worthwhile purchase. (It tasted pretty good, too) 🙂
Main Street Plaza, Walnut Creek
A new toy store and gift shop featuring custom designs made out of cardboard and wood called MakenPlay opened recently in a tiny gazebo-like structure across from Papyrus in downtown Walnut Creek on Botelho Dr. What’s interesting is not only that it’s made in Walnut Creek but it’s actually made right inside this tiny store with a laser cutter. You can’t get any more local than this and considering the custom designs and reasonable prices, you should definitely check this place out just in time for the holidays!
From their website:
WHY MAKENPLAY ?
– %100 safe material, Environmental-friendly
– Paintable 3D Unique design
– Encourage creativity and imagination
– Made from 100% recycled cardboard.
– Foldable Design Giant Size Toys
– Made in USA
More photos of the inside after the jump…
Orinda Theatre Square
A new popup shop featuring Moraga-based Hofssi Chocolates and Hollie’s Homegrown farm-to-table food & gifts opened recently in the wine bar Cine Cuvée next to the Orinda movie theater. They are open every day from 11am to 5pm through December 23rd and the wine bar is still open after 5pm. You can also find Hollie’s at the Moraga and Walnut Creek Shadelands farmers market. Hofssi Chocolates will be offering their chocolates at various events which are listed here and can also be found at Diablo Foods.
From the Hollie’s Homegrown website:
Hollie’s Homegrown is a small, organic family farm in Moraga, California. We specialize in growing culinary herbs, herbal teas, and medicinal herbs for bath & body products. Grown to perfection in our own backyard (literally!), we keep a watchful eye on our precious plants like part of the family.
From the Hofssi Chocolates website:
Linda Hofmeister and Susan Rossi founded their business in Moraga California to serve Lamorinda and the greater Contra Costa County. We specialize in producing premium chocolates, gianduja, caramels, and toffee. Our elegant confections are freshly made using the finest ingredients. Our company’s motto “Conscientious Consumption” means that we are dedicated to sourcing as many organic, sustainable and local ingredients as practicable.
More photos of the inside after the jump…
145 E. Prospect Ave, Danville
A new popup shop featuring gifts, baby, home goods and more called Lemon will be open from November 15th through December 31st on Prospect Ave. in Danville where Edge Boutique used to be. Check out their Instagram page here.
409 Railroad Ave, Danville
The popup shop The Cashmere Sale has changed up their East Bay location this year and opened recently next to Homegrown Sustainable Sandwiches in Danville and will remain open through December 13th. Check out their website here.
1401 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek
Porcelanosa Kitchen Bath Showroom which we learned would be opening in downtown Walnut Creek has now opened where Performance Bicycle Shop used to be. Founded in Spain over 40 years ago, they are offering 40% off everything through December 2nd. Check out their Inspiration Gallery here.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
The women’s clothing store XCVI, which relocated (for the fourth time) within Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek earlier this month is now closing by Tuesday at latest. Check out their online store here.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Almost two years have passed since Barnes & Noble closed in downtown Walnut Creek and finally a new bookstore has returned with Amazon Books having opened yesterday at Broadway Plaza. (Swan’s Fine Books which sells rare and vintage books is also downtown). With their highly detailed online shopping data Amazon is able to feature in-demand books throughout the store, face-out to make it easy to browse. There is a kid’s section in back as well as Amazon electronics such as Kindles, Echos etc. on display throughout the store. Unlike Barnes & Noble that offered sales on best sellers and other books at Amazon Books, amazon.com pricing is only available for Prime members. Otherwise it’s list prices for everything. (Ironically, if you’re not a Prime member, you could browse Amazon Books in-person and then order via bn.com to get better pricing)! To find out Prime pricing there are scanners throughout the store where you can scan books (see photo after the jump). Magazines are list prices even for Prime members. Unlike Capital One Cafe down the block that offers 50% off Peet’s drinks when using a Capital One credit card, there are no cafe discounts for Prime members. Also, I saw only four chairs available along the front window so seating is extremely limited. With wide aisles and nicely curated books facing cover out, Amazon Books is a great place to browse and shop for books particularly for Prime members.
More photos after the jump…
