Veranda Shopping Center, Concord
The look of the new Veranda Shopping Center in Concord next to WIllows Shopping Center is starting to take shape with the first buildings that looks similar to Spanish Colonial Revival and Mission Revival architecture. So far we know of the following shops which will be opening here:
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
APEX by Sunglass Hut opened in the initial phase (late 2015) of the Broadway Plaza redevelopment next to Macy’s and they are going to become a Ray-Ban store. Both brands are owned by the Italian eyewear company Luxottica, and APEX also carried Ray-Ban.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Last year the San Francisco-based, Paris-inspired clothing store Les Lunes opened in Broadway Plaza next to the fountain and they recently relocated to a much larger spot where Kit and Ace used to be. Check out their collection here.
More photos of the inside after the jump…
408 Hartz Ave, Danville
The women’s fashion boutique Duchess, which relocated from Lafayette to Danville a few years ago has closed.
From the Duchess Facebook page:
Please come and say farewell to Duchess at 408 Hartz Ave in Danville until Friday!! Since opening 10 years ago I got engaged, had two babies, moved the shop, parents moved to a different country have a niece and nephew, personally moved three times myself… needless to say at 25 when I thought I knew everything and had zero fears I jumped into opening my own business it has been an amazing experience and I have met so many amazing people.
1840 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek
A cool, new record store which also sells “Brand New Old-World Goods”, Up the Creek Records opened earlier this month on the second floor in Tice Valley Plaza in Walnut Creek. In addition to vinyl, they also carry a sweet selection of hand-picked goods, many made locally such as clothing by Devium, Vintage Electric Bikes, Cielomar Jewelry, books and more. Although some things look used, everything in the store is new including the aged electric Nash guitars.
They are open Thursdays through Saturdays from 1 – 7pm and will be hosting musical events here as well. Check for updates on their Instagram page here.
There is something for everyone here, men, women and even children, including musically-themed books for both young and older kids. One of the great things here is the listening room where one can check out how the albums sound on Spotify with a fine looking picture of David Bowie hanging on the wall. There will also be local artists featured as well. Even if vinyl is not your thing I recommend checking this fun shop out!
More photos of the inside after the jump…
Thanks to a reader for sending this Fortune article about how Lululemon-owned children’s activewear store ivivva will be closing most of their stores while still maintaining an online presence. The Broadway Plaza location in Walnut Creek will be closing on August 20th. Check for updates on their Facebook page here.
154 E. Prospect Ave, Danville
Not sure what’s going on with E. Prospect Ave. off Hartz Ave. in Danville but this year so far both Edge Boutique and Pelican Rock have closed and now NIQUEA.D is closing as well. Currently everything in store is 75% off.
1365 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek
A few years ago Mattress Firm bought Sleep Train for $425 million according to this Wikipedia article. Recently all Sleep Train stores have been renamed to Mattress Firm as you can see in the photos of the Walnut Creek store on N. Broadway.
From a marketing point of view, which is the better name, Sleep Train or Mattress Firm? Sleep Train has two syllables while Mattress Firm has three. Sleep describes an action or condition while mattress describes the product. Train has no relevance unless it means one can train oneself to sleep better. Firm could mean a firm mattress which may be off-putting to those who prefer soft mattresses. Or it could mean firm like a company. Confusing!
1571 Botelho Dr, Walnut Creek
The fashion boutique Scout & Molly’s which we learned would be opening in Walnut Creek back in March opened over the weekend. Check out their website here.
411 Hartz Ave, Danville
Last week we learned that the clothing store J.McLaughlin opened in Lafayette and in late April they also opened in Danville on Hartz Ave next to the historic Danville Hotel where Basque Boulangerie Cafe is located. Find out more about their story (founded in 1977) here and check out their online selection here.