
Willows Shopping Center, Concord
A couple of months ago we learned that Road Runner Sports would be relocating next door in the Willows Shopping Center in Concord and their new location is now open with nice tall ceilings, feels very spacious.

Willows Shopping Center, Concord
A couple of months ago we learned that Road Runner Sports would be relocating next door in the Willows Shopping Center in Concord and their new location is now open with nice tall ceilings, feels very spacious.

Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for pointing out that Kit and Ace is closing all US locations. Sure enough, the Broadway Plaza Kit and Ace, which only opened at the end of 2015, is closed. That sure was fast. Usually you see sales for some time to get rid of inventory but the inside looked like a fully stocked store!


1133 Bont Ln, Walnut Creek
A new art school called Rebel Art School recently opened in Walnut Creek down the street from Monaluna off Mt. Diablo Blvd. In addition to art classes for both children and adults they also offer summer camps and host birthday parties. Find out more on their website here. For background on the owner, Alexandra Harrison, click here. Check out their Facebook page here and Instagram gallery here.
I love the name of this school and their motto, “an art school for the rebels, the rule followers, and everyone in between.” and how the owner believes that, “there is no right or wrong way to make art, and mistakes are merely happy accidents that allow us to discover new ideas, problem solve, and think outside the box.”
From the owner:
We offer a safe and engaging space for kids and adults to be inspired and creative. Classes range from drawing, painting, mixed media, sculpture, to printmaking while focusing on classical and inventive techniques, terminology, and history. Students can choose to attend classes, camps, workshops, as well as parties to come create original artworks with us.

More photos of the inside after the jump…

Help Walnut Creek get an independent children’s bookstore by supporting the Flashlight Books Indiegogo campaign here. Check out their Facebook page here. In addition to selling books they also plan to, “host events, create a tutoring space, and run programs for kids and teens.”
From an email:
My name is Shoshana Smith, and I am currently working to open up an independent children’s bookstore in Walnut Creek. We’re running an Indiegogo campaign right now to help raise funds for start-up costs, and I was wondering if it would be possible to have our story and campaign mentioned in your coverage. I think it would be of great interest to the Walnut Creek and surrounding community, and we’d really like to reach out to those community members who would be our future friends and patrons!

1201 S. Main St, Walnut Creek
Exciting news as a Golden State Warriors pop up store is opening this Saturday, April 29th in downtown Walnut Creek where lululemon used to be, (next to the Giants Dugout Store). This location will remain open through December and they are on the lookout for a permanent location as well. Go Warriors!

321 Hartz Ave, Danville
The AuburnJames Winery Tasting Room is temporarily closing in Danville for a remodel where it will become the Auburn Lounge offering wine and beer in June. Check out this page for more information on their St. Helena Tasting Cottage. Stay tuned…

635 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Walnut Creek
The hair extensions store Perfect Locks has recently relocated from their Concord location to Walnut Creek. Check for updates on their All Tressed Up blog here. Thanks to a reader for sending photos!
From their website:
We’ve been busy, really busy. Finally, our big move is happening and we couldn’t be more excited. 2 years in the making, our new state of the art flagship location close to downtown Walnut Creek will be the talk of the Bay Area and beyond. We’ve moved our corporate offices and retail hair extensions store from Concord, CA to a brand new location in the affluent, trendy, and rapidly expanding area of Walnut Creek. Located just 40 minutes from San Francisco and 15 minutes from Oakland. With free parking easy access from highway 680, our new Bay Area location makes it an easy choice for savvy hair shoppers. It may not look it, but we’re 98% complete and we’re adding the finishing touches this week. Stay tuned for our amazing grand opening announcement and party invitation!


402 Railroad Ave, Danville
The activewear clothing store lucy will be closing its doors for good on April 23rd in Danville. An employee there mentioned that all lucy stores will be closing by the end of the year and be merged into North Face. Both stores are owned by the VF Corporation.

Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
The writing has been on the wall for a while now that Apple would be relocating from their location next to Tiffany in downtown Walnut Creek to Broadway Plaza ever since we learned of a new building with glass walls that was proposed last year where California Pizza Kitchen, Starbucks, Tesla and Yogasmoga used to be. The Broadway Plaza directory now lists the Apple Store as a new addition so it’s official. Apple is relocating to Broadway Plaza in a brand new building! With Amazon opening in the fall I’m glad to see some tech focused stores opening here.
Note, you can actually see the current Apple store in the background of the above photo so they won’t be moving far.

Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Last September we learned that Old Navy would be coming to Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek and they have now opened across from GAP. I believe this is the first time Old Navy has opened anywhere in Walnut Creek.
