Downtown Walnut Creek “Bouncing Back”

December 19, 2011 4:46 pm

Updated exterior for upcoming Citra Grill restaurant

The Contra Costa Times reported today on how retail vacancy rates have fallen over the past year indicating increased vibrancy in the local downtown Walnut Creek area. They noted that a restaurant Opa will be located next to Prima which I reported on previously and later in the article wrote that

Such examples include the former Delle Stelle building on Main Street currently under renovation for a restaurant

This is the Opa restaurant they mentioned previously. Having casually observed the downtown Walnut Creek retail environment for many years, the one thing that can be said is that it’s always changing, with some stores closing, and new ones taking their place.

At the end of the article they note recently opened stores including La Boulange and the Giants Dugout Store. The small popcorn store in Broadway Plaza store Cornology can also be added to this list. They also note stores that will be opening next year, including a few I need to look into, “Farm to Table Cafe”, and “Nothing Bundt cake”.

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Duxiana Bed Store Closes

December 16, 2011 11:30 am

The Duxiana bed store, (selling high-end Swedish mattresses), located at 1530 Locust St. in Walnut Creek has been closed since July, according to a copy of a handwritten letter posted on the door.

According to the letter, Duxiana stores are open in both San Francisco and Palo Alto, so if high-end Swedish mattresses are your thing, fret not! I think the handwritten letter is a nice touch in this day and age.

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Colton Piano Gallery Grand Opening

December 15, 2011 2:29 pm

Colton Piano Gallery opened its doors last Friday on 1539 N. Main St. next to Radio Shack, replacing the sports memorabilia store Sports Gallery. Walnut Creek is now home to three piano stores within walking distance, Music Exchange and Sherman Clay. They carry all types of pianos from high-end Schimmels to more reasonably priced ones as seen below, as well as digital models.

Some of you may be thinking, wait a minute, Colton Piano used to be next to The Ballet School a few blocks away, but it turns out that the Colton Piano that closed had licensed the Colton name but was not part of the Colton Piano Gallery company that has been in business since 1955. So if you’re in the market for a piano, stop by the real Colton Piano Gallery and check out what they have to offer.

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Ace Hardware Christmas Decorations

December 14, 2011 8:30 am

Who knew that a boring shopping trip to Ace Hardware in Walnut Creek could be so fun? First we’re greeted by two giant toy soldiers guarding the entrance. Then upon entering, there is a huge train set ABOVE the store that wraps all the way around. Note that even the Golden Gate Bridge is included. I think every single kid in that store was mesmerized by it, not to mention quite a few adults as well, yours included. Props to Walnut Creek Ace for putting together such a great display for the winter holidays.

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Peak Inside Dirito Brothers New Showroom

December 12, 2011 4:30 pm

Previously I reported that the Dirito Brothers Volkswagen Walnut Creek showroom would be opening by Thanksgiving. Looks like it’s been slightly delayed, but when I took a look inside of the showroom I was blown away. It looks stunning. I’m not a betting man but if I were I’d bet that Dirito Brothers Volkswagen sales will be increasing signficantly in 2012.

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Beware Farmers Market Target Car Parkers

November 30, 2011 8:30 am

The sign at the Target parking lot on Sundays states, PLEASE NO FARMERS’ MARKET PARKING. And sure enough, here is a chalk marker (albeit on a different day) marking cars on the Target parking lot:

Looks like they’re cracking down. I would make sure you leave within the allotted time, I believe 2 hours. I don’t see what the problem is, parking is in short supply in that farmer’s market location, and it will bring more business and good will to Target as plenty of people will head to Target afterwards.

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Judging Stores: SF Giants Dugout

November 29, 2011 9:51 am

The new San Francisco Giants Dugout store opened the day after Thanksgiving, and it’s fully stocked with all kind of Giants knickknacks.

They even have a machine towards the back of the store that can customize a jersey with any name. Customization is free until the end of the year.

Don’t forget the grand opening is set for this Saturday, December 3rd at 10am, where the World Series Trophy will be displayed, among other things.

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Giants Dugout Store Opening Nov. 25

November 21, 2011 8:30 am

As reported by Patch the other day, a San Francisco Giants Dugout store is opening in Walnut Creek. Located across from Crate and Barrel, it’s going to open the day after Thanksgiving according to some workers I spoke with. The Grand Opening will happen on December 3 from 10AM – 1PM according to the Giants Dugout website:

Join the Giants in celebrating this NEW East Bay store location which will be the largest store outside of AT&T Park. Larry Baer, Duane Kuiper, Willie McCovey, Lou Seal and additional special guests will be at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony starting at 10:00 AM. There will be live entertainment, activities for the family, prizes and ballpark snacks at the party. The 2010 World Series Trophy will also be on hand during the event.

Can’t make it to the party? Visit the store during the month of December to receive free personalization on newly purchased jerseys. Personalize your new jersey while you shop, on our in-store Jersey Customization kiosk. Visit our ticket counter and purchase Giants tickets for the 2012 Season from one of our experienced associates (Tickets subject to availability).

This looks like a great event for all baseball fans out there.

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Cole European Construction

November 18, 2011 4:30 pm

Cole European, the Jaguar and Land Rover dealer located at 2103 N. Main St. in Walnut Creek is undergoing construction to expand and remodel their showroom. Estimated finish date is mid-December according to people I spoke with there. Previously there was a storage area that will be added to the showroom. Along with the new Dirito Brothers Volkswagen dealership nearby, it looks like Walnut Creek car dealerships are on the up-and-up just in time for Christmas.

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Le Creuset Closes

November 17, 2011 4:30 pm

This is somewhat old news but Le Creuset, the French cookware store on Mt. DIablo Blvd. in Walnut Creek has closed. At one time, Walnut Creek boasted 5 kitchen stores, Kitchen Table, Williams-Sonoma, Sur La Table, Viking and Le Creuset. Now only three remain, Viking and Le Creuset having closed.

Le Creuset had one of the most unfortunate locations that they failed to understand when they leased the place. On a map it looks ideal, in the heart of downtown, near the other kitchen stores etc. But that particular location is offset about 5 feet inwards such that it was almost impossible to see their signs from the corner of Locust St. and Mt. Diablo Blvd., where most people would be crossing from. Unlike other Le Creuset outlet stores, this Le Creuset was one of the first dedicated Le Creuset stores not outlet-related, and was intended as a test to see how it would perform nationwide. I’m afraid they may have come to incorrect conclusions about how well such a store could do, as well as Walnut Creek in general based on the unfortunate store location. Or maybe it was the super-heavy cookware afterall. 😉

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