1366 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
The online thrift store ThredUp, which opened last summer in downtown Walnut Creek, is relocating a couple of blocks away where Five Little Monkeys used to be. According to a sign posted on their door they expect to open “early May”. Interestingly, it mistakenly says that they are currently at “Broadway Plaza”. They are actually at the Broadway Pointe shopping center, across the street from Broadway Plaza.
Alamo Plaza
The pet supply and grooming store Bark Avenue is coming to Alamo Plaza where Loard’s Ice Cream used to be (as well as the spot next door) this summer, possibly opening by the end of June. With three stores near Sacramento, this will be there first Bay Area location. Check out their services here. Information about their DIY dog washes can be found here.
From their website:
Bark Avenue is dedicated to bringing you and your pets high quality products and services. We carry a complete line of all natural, healthy and safe foods and treats. All of our complete diets are free of corn, wheat, soy, artificial preservatives, food dyes, and by-products. Our foods are made with wholesome ingredients and are fed to our own pets every day! We also carry vitamins and supplements, raw food, herbal remedies, shampoos and conditioners, fun collars and leashes, comfy beds and a wide selection of toys!
Our staff is specially trained in holistic pet nutrition, proper fitting of harnesses and collars, training techniques, and other helpful tips and tricks. We will help you one-on-one in figuring out what food or product is best for your pet because proper pet nutrition is our priority!
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
According to the latest Walnut Creek permit information luxury boho fashion and accessories shop Johnny Was is coming to Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek with their first East Bay location. It looks like they’ll be opening where Skin 17 used to be, which recently relocated near Macy’s where Ministry of Supply used to be.
From their website:
Johnny Was creates clothes and accessories that embrace a California lifestyle but speak to a global vision, that feel luxurious, yet ready to be packed into a suitcase for a last minute trip. It is about going through life with an ease that’s both alluring and inspiring.
355 Hartz Ave, Danville
A new DIY workshop studio called AR Workshop is opening in Danville where Live Happy Paper Crafts used to be. Their grand opening launch party will be held on May 19th to, “get a tour of our new workshop space, check out the sample projects, and shop our retail boutique featuring home decor gifts and accessories”. There will also be “giveaways, raffles, and promotions”. Register here and check out their workshop calendar here. Although other locations are BYOB it looks like the Danville location will allow small snacks or appetizers to be brought in but no alcohol, for now at least.
From the Danville AR Workshop page:
Register for a DIY workshop to create on-trend home decor from raw materials such as wood signs, canvas pillows, wood framed signs, bottle openers and more. Enjoy a girls night out, date night, team building event, private party or birthday party at AR Workshop where you can enjoy an inspiring atmosphere.
AR Workshop Danville is owned by Jennifer and Jim Ludlam. They are looking forward to bringing a fun new venue to Historic Downtown Danville, California.
The Veranda, Concord
Last month we learned that Toys “R” Us was closing their US stores but there was still a slight chance that another buyer would scoop up some locations. However, the giant “GOING OUT OF BUSINESS” sign in front of the Toys “R” Us at the Veranda shopping center has put that idea to rest. Hopefully there will be some good sales happening eventually.
495C Church St, Danville
The Fire & Rain Gallery, based in Folsom, is opening a new Bay Area gallery in Danville very soon. Find out more about the gallery here and check for updates on their Facebook page here.
From their website:
We offer an ever-changing collection of American hand-crafted art, the majority of which are from local artists. With pieces ranging from jewelery and handbags, to furniture and home decor, we offer something for everyone.
1414 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
Consignit Couture, the consignment boutique which closed in Danville over the summer, is closing their remaining Walnut Creek location by July 1st. It looks like online buying trends as well as increased competition from stores such as ThredUp proved too much for this independent shop.
3566 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
A new electronic cigarette shop called Blazin Jayz Smoke Shop recently opened next to Learning Express Toys in Lafayette. They sell e-cigarettes, hookahs, vape juices with flavors such as apple e-juice, grape, banana cream, Hulk Tears, and more.
Considering the location, next to a toy store of all places, some Lafayette residents are not happy with this. One Lafayette resident emailed:
I’m extremely disappointed about the decision to approve a smoke shop directly next door to our beloved toy store. We’ve already chatted about this as a family so my elementary school daughter understands the concern about locating the two stores together. I love Lafayette and, though I don’t smoke, I understand that there might be demand for a smoke shop in Lafayette. There are many open storefronts in the city, though. I wish the town has been more thoughtful in its approach; the placement of the smoke shop makes Lafayette seem motivated by profit. This hits the wrong note for me.
Should a smoke shop offering kid-friendly vape flavors be allowed to open next to a toy store? Aren’t there city ordinances prohibiting this? If not, shouldn’t there be?
Willows Shopping Center, Concord
These days the Willows shopping center in Concord just can’t catch a break with Aaron Brothers Art & Framing being the latest store to close or move in recent months, possibly in June. According to Pasadena Star News most locations will be folded into Michael’s stores (same owner) with a few remaining open in Texas.
