La Fiesta Square, Lafayette
In June we learned that DC-based skincare company Bluemercury would be opening where Pendleton used to be in La Fiesta Square in Lafayette and their signage is now up with an expected “Fall, 2016” opening. Check out their website here.
Photo via Hudson Daniel
A local Walnut Creek food-tech startup called Hudson Daniel is doing a Kickstarter, check them out here. According to the Kickstarter they are planning on offering various services including a monthly subscription option featuring, “FULL-SIZE gourmet food items AND kitchen & home accessories”. It will also be possible to purchase artisan food and beverage items online as well as “book tastings, tours and culinary expeditions”. Check out their website here. Sounds great, I look forward to checking out their online marketplace when it’s available.
From Hudson Daniel:
Our team is building the ultimate culinary platform and marketplace where consumers can shop specialty food & beverage, gifts, kitchen and home accessories; attend events, search destinations, book adventures, discover recipes and more. The platform is unique because it allows vendors to connect with consumers without spending a significant amount of money on store and distribution fees. We give them access to online tools and resources that help them succeed, while allowing them to focus on producing remarkable products and educating consumers on the craft that goes into everything they do.
In addition, upon our official launch – we will donate a percentage of all sales to assist those in need through our charitable foundation. We are committed to supporting local makers, while making a global commitment to help those in need.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
The women’s clothing store Amour Vert has opened in Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek.
From their website:
Amour Vert means GREEN LOVE in french but it also means American Jobs, non toxic dyes, sensuous fabrics and innovative techniques and above all enduring style. Amour Vert’s specially engineered textiles and blended fabrics are crafted to be soft, flattering and long-lasting. We only use low-impact dyes and adopt a zero-waste philosophy.
Willows Shopping Center, Concord
Thanks to a reader for sending word that the Japanese store Daiso is opening in the Willows Shopping Center in Concord next to Fuddruckers. They plan on opening this Friday, September 2nd. Daiso sells many low priced products for $1.50. Find out more about Daiso from Wikipedia here. Check out their website here.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Back in February we learned that the island-lifestyle clothing store Tommy Bahama would possibly be relocating a few blocks away to Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek and they have now opened next to Victoria Secret’s PINK and White House Black Market. Check out their website here.
3450 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
The play/class center for children Gymboree Music & Play has relocated to the Merrill Gardens senior living apartment development on Mt. Diablo Blvd, a few blocks away from their previous location across from Whole Foods. Check out their Facebook page here.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
The resort and swimwear shop Everything but Water has now opened in Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek on the main plaza street where L’Occitane en Provence used to be. Just in time for the end of summer. Check out their website here.
Thanks to a reader for sending word that Sports Basement is opening a new store in San Ramon where Orchard Supply Hardware used to be in the Marketplace Shopping Center. They expect to open October 1st.
From their website:
We are beyond excited to open our 7th Sports Basement in the amazing community of San Ramon! This is an area we have been watching for a while and when the old Orchard Supply Hardware location became available we jumped on it.
We’re busy transforming the building into the lovable local Sports Basement our customers expect and can’t wait to meet all of our neighbors from San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Dublin, Pleasanton, Diablo, Blackhawk and Livermore.
Pictured above is San Ramon’s new General Manager, John Courtney, who led our Walnut Creek store for the past few years. You’ll probably recognize him from the store or the Diablo mountain bike trails.
If you would like inquire about using our store’s community space or discuss other partnerships email Toni Lum who is in charge of local community outreach. If you would like to join the Sports Basement San Ramon team visit our jobs page to fill out an application.
See you October 1st at our grand opening party!
I’ve been going to local farmers markets for many years now and the one farm that has been a contant presence has been Hamada Farms, offering various fruits including dried fruits such as my all time favorite, dried persimmon (anpo gaki). Over the weekend I stopped by the Moraga and Walnut Creek farmers markets and noticed that in Moraga R&D Farms was where Hamada Farms always used to be. When I asked what happened to Hamada Farms, they said they were neighbors of Hamada Farms and that due to an illness Hamada Farms had to vacate several of their farmers market spots.
Obviously this is sad news. I hope they recover and eventually come back to Walnut Creek, Moraga and elsewhere.
