La Fiesta Square, Lafayette
The women’s clothing boutique Harper Greer “Curvy Style for Every Woman” has relocated to La Fiesta Square in Lafayette and is now open. Check out their online catalog here.
La Fiesta Square, Lafayette
The women’s clothing boutique Harper Greer “Curvy Style for Every Woman” has relocated to La Fiesta Square in Lafayette and is now open. Check out their online catalog here.
City Center Bishop Ranch, San Ramon
A new shopping center called City Center Bishop Ranch opened in San Ramon on Bollinger Canyon Rd, across from Shops at Bishop Ranch. There are currently 29 shops, restaurants and a gym listed on their directory, including Berkeley-based Fieldwork Brewing Company (which was PACKED), with Slanted Door and Roam Artisan Burgers opening later this year followed by Ramen Hiroshi, MIXT, Curry Up Now and more eateries opening next year. The place I most wanted to try, Boba Guys, is soft open on weekdays only until their grand opening December 1st. The LOT, a 10 screen movie theater and restaurant will be open in a couple of days, As for stores, West Elm, Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Athleta, Candle Delirium and smaller boutiques are open now with Anthropologie opening next spring. The gym Equinox is scheduled to open by year end.
The two story rectangular shopping center features a plaza in the center with a grass play area for children (not dogs) with large building blocks, a patio with a water play area for children, and a separate area with seating where live music may be performed. Some interesting aspects of the mall are the food trucks stationed right outside, as well as the falcon to scare off problem birds. (See photos after the jump for a closer look). The parking garages are hidden inside which is a nice touch; just note the stores when you enter the mall so you’ll remember how to get back to your car!
How does City Center Bishop Ranch compare with recently built or remodeled local malls such as Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek and The Veranda in Concord? There are quite a few similarities and differences among the malls but as I strolled down the second floor pathway looking at the stores on the other side on both levels it reminded me a bit of Sunvalley shopping center in Concord, only outdoors. Unlike Broadway Plaza where each store has its own look and feel, all the stores at City Center Bishop Ranch have huge windows with only the store signs having their own design. That will make it much easier as new stores get replaced, but far less interesting.
As you can see from the photo of the outside, some might see a volume “floating” over the street level, as noted by the Renzo Piano Building Workshop while others might view it as a monolithic monstrosity in a box. The inside fares better with the plaza at center, however it’s still quite monotonous throughout. Nevertheless, with numerous eateries, a movie theater, shops and boutiques, it will no doubt become a popular shopping destination. I know I’ll be back, if only for a Boba Guys drink.
More photos including the falcon, food trucks and stores after the jump…
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
The cosmetics store RITUALS that we learned would be coming to Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek will be opening tomorrow, November 14th. They are based in Amsterdam and offer luxury skin and body care, cosmetics and home fragrances. This will be their fourth West Coast location.
From a PR:
Wednesday, November 14th (opening day)
• First 100 customers receive a complimentary full-size Foaming Shower Gel (valued at $15.00) + $10 off voucher (no purchase required)
• Can’t get there early? Stop in anytime and get a full size Foaming Shower Gel of your choice for just $5.00 (retail value: $15.00)
*In-store exclusive offer. Only valid Wednesday, November 14, 2018, at Broadway Plaza, while supplies last.
Thursday, November 15th–Saturday, November 17th (2:00PM & 4:00PM) and Sunday, November 18th (1:00PM & 3:00PM)
• Try your luck with our massive gift card giveaway. The first 50 visitors to the store will receive a RITUALS store gift card valued between $5.00 and $100.00.
1537 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
Last spring we learned about the possibility of a children’s bookstore coming to Walnut Creek and it turns out that the bookstore, called Flashlight Books, will be opening in downtown Walnut Creek in early December where a children’s clothing store used to be on N. Main St. Check for updates on their Instagram page here.
From their website:
Flashlight Books will be an independent bookstore dedicated to promoting a sustained love of reading in children – particularly in their teen and pre-teen years, when they most need the messages of empathy and the diverse viewpoints that books provide. We will be a space that is community-focused and celebrates curiosity, passion, and learning. In addition to being a store for books, we will host events, create a tutoring space, and run programs for kids and teens. Flashlight Books will aim to be a place where families feel welcomed, kids feel safe, and young adults feel supported.
La Fiesta Square, Lafayette
Thanks to everyone who sent word that The Shade Store is coming to La Fiesta Square in Lafayette where Smitten used to be. Check out their online gallery here.
From their website:
We’re a wholly curated custom window treatment service – bringing the best to your windows and providing the kind of high-end design assistance and support that can only come with three generations of expertise.
Ygnacio Plaza, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for sending word (and photos) that Royal Pharmacy opened recently in Ygnacio Plaza in Walnut Creek. Their Grand Opening will be held this Saturday, November 3rd from 1 – 4pm. “Enjoy snacks and refreshments; Enter to win prize drawings”.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Over the summer we learned that the St. Louis-based women’s catalog retailer Soft Surroundings would be coming to Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek and they’ll be opening this Friday, November 2nd. Check out their online catalog here.
19901 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon
With less than a week to go before Halloween, if you’re near San Ramon check out Moore’s Pumpkin Patch where in addition to offering pumpkins there is also a “Family Fun Park complete with rides and attractions”. Check out their website here where they offer a free ride coupon with $15 pumpkin purchase.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
The women’s clothing boutique The Reset opened a popup shop in Broadway Plaza where the Art of Shaving used to be. Check out their online store here and find out more about the owner Maria Peevey and their story here. They will be open through January 15th, after which a Forevermark jewelry store is planning to open in this spot.
1513 Cypress St, Walnut Creek
A new boutique called JBJ Curated Goods For Life opened recently in downtown Walnut Creek that features jewelry, accessories, home decor, and other curated goods. They used to be located inside the Elisa Wen boutique in Danville but have relocated to their own shop since the owner is from Walnut Creek and wanted to expand. Check out their Instagram page here. There will be a sip & shop pop-up with Beautycounter from 11am – 3pm this Thursday, October 25th.
