111 West Prospect Ave, Danville
A bit late but Sole Desire Shoes opened a new location in the new Danville Hotel Town Center last November.
From their website:
Bowing to customer requests, Sole Desire has expanded the brand mix in our store and added a large selection of quality accessories including handbags, small leather goods, hats, scarfs, sunglasses, socks, shoe care as well as a large assortment of supportive and customizable insoles.
Tassajara Crossing, Danville
Thanks to a reader for sending word that Hallmark is closing in Tassajara Crossing (located across from Blackhawk Plaza) in Danville. February 29th will be their last day and currently almost everything is marked 40% off in their store.
7001 Sunne Ln, Walnut Creek (Treat Blvd.)
Thanks to a reader pointing out that the the indoor dog space Zoom Room, which opened a couple of years ago, is closing in Walnut Creek (near the Pleasant Hill BART station), on February 21st. The owner commented on their Facebook page that they will be, “forming a new dog training company and Courtney and Meagan will likely be joining me! We will not have a physical location to start. We will offer in-home training until we can afford a space to do group classes in.” Check out their Facebook page for updates.
From their Facebook page:
It is with extreme regret that I inform you that we will be closing our doors on February 21st. Unfortunately, our rent has become too high for us to remain in business. This decision pains me and my staff members greatly as we love you and your dogs so much. It’s been amazing to be a part of this community, and I thank you so much for all of the great times we have shared.
Downtown Pleasant Hill Shopping Center
This fall we learned that Orchard Supply Hardware was coming to the Downtown Pleasant Hill Shopping Center where Lucky’s used to be and they have now opened. How does Orchard compare with Home Depot and Lowe’s?
3543 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Thanks to a reader for sending this photo that shows the wool apparel shop Pendleton is closing in downtown Lafayette. They will be closing at the end of March (possibly sooner), and right now things are 20 – 40% off. This store closing is not the only one. A total of nine Pendleton stores will be closing throught the country, two in California and the rest in the Midwest.
375 Hartz Ave, Danville
As the bright yellow liquidation sale posters attest, the deep discount retailer Rick’s Picks is closing their Danville location on Hartz Avenue with an extra 50% off. Their Pleasanton location will remain open. Check out their website here.
1149 S. Main St, Walnut Creek
We knew this was happening back in June but it’s still disappointing that Barnes & Noble actually closed in downtown Walnut Creek last Thursday. This was one of my go-to stores to drop by when in downtown and as I pondered the closing outside their doors over the weekend many others were surprised as they learned it was closed for good. I guess I’ll just have to browse for books virtually from now on.
Stay tuned for Anthropologie relocating here…
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
In June we learned that the Spanish clothing store Zara would be coming to Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek and plans have been submitted to the city showing a rendering of what it may look like. A new building with plenty more windows (and light) would replace the Macy’s Men’s store. Check out all the new Broadway Plaza store openings here.
1489 Newell Ave, Walnut Creek
A cool new flower shop opened recently in Walnut Creek in the strip mall where Pacific Bay Coffee and George’s Giant Hamburgers are located on Newell Ave. Check out their floral gallery here. They offer free delivery to Kaiser Permanente hospital across the street.
From their website:
We both spent our youth outdoors elbow-deep in flower and veggie gardens here in the Bay Area, and perhaps it’s because we’re locally grown ourselves that we believe so strongly in the power of community, and how businesses supporting one another strengthens the fabric of that community. So when we decided to open our own flower shop we wanted a holistic business approach. We offer the best in floral design (goes without saying!) but our florals are sourced using premium flowers from local growers. We work with recycled containers whenever we can, and appreciate those that do the same. We are earth friendly and socially conscious—we compost, we use vintage ribbons and containers, we deliver leftover florals to community groups, we partner with local organizations, and we give back via donations and outreach.
****UPDATE**** Based on the comments below I decided to go back and this time the sales people did state that the towels were on sale. Over the weekend not only did two sales people insist that the towels were not on sale, but one of them explained in great detail why they were not on sale. I’m not thrilled about having to go back but I applaud her creative story telling!
Like many others who shopped for after-Christmas sales, I stopped by Restoration Hardware in downtown Walnut Creek and noticed these signs plastered everywhere:
AFTER THE GIVING
YOURS FOR THE TAKING
SAVE 25-75%
ON EVERYTHING IN STOCK
When I asked a salesperson about what percent off the towels were she indicated they weren’t on sale. I pointed out the sign indicating “everything in stock” and she said “stock” refers to “furniture”. How silly of me! I thought in stock meant products available in-store. I guess that’s how marketing works at Restoration Hardware.