Back in November I noted that the women’s clothing store Francesca’s Collections would be opening in downtown Lafayette at the Clocktower on Mt. Diablo Blvd. and as you can see by the large poster in the window it looks like progress is well under way although it would have been nice if they could have opened before Christmas. Better late than never.
Lots of progress going on in the Sprouts shopping plaza at the corner of Geary Blvd. and N. Main St. in Walnut Creek with Supercuts now open. Freebirds is officially opening today, and the Subway signage is up next to Supercuts, but the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf cafe is far from finished. One thing I did notice over the weekend is the awful parking situation which I previously worried about. It was so bad over the weekend as cars kept circling around and around that I had to park a few blocks down the street. Anyone else have a problem parking here?
Back in June when I noted that Eco Shoppe was closing in downtown Walnut Creek, I also mentioned that a mattress store may be opening up in its place, and it looks that tip was correct because this month the mattress store Sleep Number will be opening up on Mt. Diablo Blvd. around the corner from the Century movie Theater.
From their website:
The best sleep of your life begins with finding yourSleep Number setting. With our IndividualFit 3-D imaging you’ll see and feel how the Sleep Number® bed adjusts to you.
3D! I’m not in the market for a mattress but I think I may check this out. Sounds intriguing…
Way back in November of last year I noted that The Paint Palette was closing, and finally, after a year, they are no longer there. Note that this place is for sale, not rent. It’s located next to the Diablo Actors’ Ensemble Theatre and Peet’s Coffee in downtown Walnut Creek on Locust St.
This is the first window display I’ve seen where the mannequin is facing away from the window. Props to Neiman Marcus in Walnut Creek for their creativity!
Wax Parlor has been open since the day after Thanksgiving on Cypress St. in downtown Walnut Creek. They offer various services such as brow shaping, facial waxing and full body waxing. They also do weddings and host special events.
Check out the nicely designed interior:
All the services and prices are listed clearly on the wall:
Wax Parlor is located at 1519 Cypress St. in downtown Walnut Creek.
The steakhouse Vic Stewart’s, located at the old railroad station in Walnut Creek doesn’t normally offer dinner on Mondays nor lunches but they are right now in December.
From the Vic Stewart’s website:
Vic Stewart’s opened its doors on December 13, 1993. The Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce hosted its monthly B.A.S.H. on December 16 and a record number of members and nonmembers attended. Vic Stewart’s was filled to capacity. Some came out of curiosity, others to sample the food and most to find a new spot to wine and dine. The latter has proved to be the case. Vic Stewart’s has been selected for several years as the Best Place for Steaks in the East Bay by both the Contra Costa Times and Diablo Magazine. In 1994, the U.S. Beef Council named Vic Stewart’s “Steakhouse of the Year” for both California and the Nation. Over 200 entries were considered and Vic Stewart’s was selected. The award is given for outstanding and continuing innovation in menuing beef, service, quality and preparation.
Thanks to a reader for this tip! If anyone has any news on openings or closing in the area or interesting photos from around Walnut Creek/Lafayette you’d like to see on this blog please email me at the address listed towards the top right. Thanks!
I was at the Walnut Creek Target over the weekend when I noticed a Neiman Marcus sign promoting some high end designers like Marc Jacobs, Jason Wu and Diane von Furstenberg. In the photo above you can see a yoga mat and jewelry box by Diane von Furstenberg. You can see the complete 52 item gift collection here. If you’d like a chance to win all 52 items you have until Dec. 10th to enter your email here.
I’m curious why an ultra high-end retailer like Neiman Marcus would agree to this. Would they agree to do a promotion in Kmart or Walmart? Or is Target considered the coolest of the big discount retail stores? Is this to get name recognition to bring more people to Neiman Marcus, or is this to increase revenue from Target paying Neiman Marcus for use of their name? Or a combination of things? I wonder.
It looks like these gifts could be sold out soon so drop by Target if you’re thinking of picking something up!
Back in June I noted the opening of SOFA a la carte in downtown Walnut Creek on N. Main St. and they are now closed. A sign in the window notes that “custom work still available w/ SOFA U LOVE in SF.”
The iconic store Ming Quong is located right next door, and although they renewed their lease in June, I wonder what’s going to happen if another store or restaurant wants to expand, could be tough for Ming Quong.
Venture Men’s Goods is hosting an open house on Thursday, November 29th from 7pm – 9pm featuring the founders of Taylor Stitch, “makers of well-crafted shirts and jeans made in San Francisco. We will have libations and bites to kick off the holiday season.” Venture is located at 3571 Mt. Diablo Blvd. a few doors down from Patxi’s Pizza.