Last month I noted that J.Jill was moving from one Broadway Plaza location to another on the main strip and they have now opened. Since this part of Broadway Plaza is slated to be demolished within the next few years I’m not sure why they did this.
Last month I noted that J.Jill was moving from one Broadway Plaza location to another on the main strip and they have now opened. Since this part of Broadway Plaza is slated to be demolished within the next few years I’m not sure why they did this.
The Lafayette based home decor and gift shop Transitions has opened a new location at the backside of Broadway Plaza.
From their website:
Transitions is a quintessential “Mom and Pop” business. Transitions originally opened in 1976 as an upscale beauty salon in San Francisco. In 1986 we left the big city, to start a new business and raise our children in Lafayette. Though a hair dresser by trade, I’ve always had a love for home decor and all things beautiful, hence the gift store. Our boutique is festooned with an array of thoughtfully chosen treasures for you, your home, or gifting.
Inside showcases antique tuba from 1930s:
You may recall in May I posted scuttlebutt about the backside of Broadway Plaza closing in 2014 and this is in-line with that as Transitions will only be in Broadway Plaza until the end of the year.
Back in January I noted that Arden B. was closing in Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek and now J.Jill will be moving from around the corner next to Crate & Barrel to this new location. The planned open date is July 18th. The new location is right on the main drag across from Banana Republic and next to J. Crew so this is a better location but what happens when Broadway Plaza closes to remodel?
J.Jill old location in Broadway Plaza:
From the Walnut Creek Police Department:
On Wednesday, May 29, 2013, at approximately 8:50 PM, a female left Nordstrom and entered the second story parking garage. When she approached the door to her vehicle the suspect came up from behind and grabbed her. He then grabbed onto her purse. The victim struggled with the suspect to keep her purse. The suspect was scared off when another women approached. The suspect fled south through the parking garage and down a stairway. The victim was not injured and her purse was not stolen. The suspect was later caught on video surveillance (see attached photo).
If you recognize the subject in the attached photo or have any information please call the Walnut Creek Police Department at (925) 943-5844.
Suspect(s): Hispanic Male Adult, approximately 18 years of age, 5ft 4in tall, short dark hair, wearing a baseball cap and a black and white zip up hooded sweatshirt.
Back in March of last year I noted the Broadway Plaza demolition possibilities in Walnut Creek to make way for larger stores with possible mixed development i.e. apartments and it looks like plans are moving full steam ahead. Word on the street is that the backside of Broadway Plaza where the smaller shops are located such as See’s Candies and Boudin Bakery will be closing sometime in 2014 so construction can begin.
Apparently no leases are being offered past December and judging by the number of empty storefronts it’s making more sense now. There was already one open spot, and now AZM Jewelers is gone, as is As Seen on TV. Flares Bridal has closed their 2nd addition but still retains another presence a few stores down.
In addition I’m also hearing that Macerich, the owner of Broadway Plaza is actively working with retail stores to place them elsewhere in Broadway Plaza. So you may see a few of these stores moving nearby eventually.
2015 is right around the corner though so new stores will eventually open back up, possibly where the parking lot is currently located. Keep in mind this is only scuttlebutt, nothing has been confirmed yet.
The fashion store Cole Haan has closed in Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek last Friday. Located right next to Neiman Marcus, it opened several years ago. The closest non-outlet Cole Haan locations are in Union Square, San Francisco and Santana Row in San Jose.
Just last week I noted that The Art of Shaving was getting remodeled in Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek and they have now reopened. It looks like they went from pale yellow wall colors to deep wood paneling with lighted shelving to highlight the razors and accessories as well as various other changes. The Art of Shaving is located right near the fountain a few stores away from the Lacoste boutique.
Check out an inside shot below:
The Art of Shaving is closed according to a sign blocking every window and door in the Broadway Plaza location in Walnut Creek. It says, “New Look Coming Soon”, I wonder what they’re planning. Note the lockbox on the door handle, this may take a while.
In February I noted that Max Studio closed in Broadway Plaza and now Brookstone will be opening in its place. This Brookstone will be located at 1224 Broadway Plaza, a few stores down from Nordstrom, right next to Janie and Jack. Does anyone remember when Sharper Image used to be in Broadway Plaza? I hope Brookstone can last longer.
