Japanese Retailer Muji Coming Downtown!

You may want to sit down for this. Downtown San Jose actually beat out Santana Row for a premier flagship retailer.

Muji is a Japanese home goods store that is known for a minimalist design. Their products are primarily aimed at urban dwellers, especially those with limited space that are living in high-density apartments or condos.

They are planning on building a flagship 7,000 sqft store at the Fairmont Annex, in the space where the preview center for 360 Residences used to be several years ago.

Currently there are only three US stores in existence like this one, and all of them are in Manhattan. They are only planning to build out two stores on the West Coast for now, one in San Francisco and the other is this one.

To say this is a huge win for Downtown San Jose would be an understatement. On Mondays I like to post development news. There are a few new massive apartment and office projects that were just announced, and I completely pushed those aside for this.

No official opening date has been set, but they are shooting for Spring. Godspeed.

Source: SJBJ

LA Boxing Coming to West San Jose

Five new boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts gyms are coming to Silicon Valley and the first will be in West Park Plaza on the corner of Winchester and Payne where LA Boxing is signing a 10 year lease for 4,200 square feet. The other four locations will be in Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Milpitas, and Palo Alto.

Source: SJBJ

Icrebreaker Opens Today in Santana Row

WHAT:         Icebreaker, the New Zealand company that pioneered the merino wool adventure apparel category, today announced it will open on Santana Row on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012.

Peninsula and South Bay fitness enthusiasts, from runners to cyclists to yogis, will rejoice in a new 1,500 sq. ft. TouchLab store.

Wool may not be the typical fabric choice for Bay Area dwellers, but Icebreaker apparel is not made from any ordinary sheep. Handpicked from New Zealand merinos based in the Southern Alps, enduring temperatures between -4 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and 95 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, Icebreaker apparel offers unique insulating and cooling properties in a luxuriously soft format that won't irritate the skin.

The San Jose TouchLab store will feature Icebreaker's complete line of pure merino wool apparel, including its Outdoor, Running, Travel, Kids, Underwear and City collections and Socks and Accessories, all made from handpicked merino wool born in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. To celebrate the opening, Icebreaker will reveal its new Fall 2012 line.

WHERE:       356 Santana Row
  San Jose, CA 95128

HOURS:    Monday through Thursday, 10 am to 9 pm
Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 10 pm
Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm

ABOUT:        Launched in 1994, Icebreaker was the first company in the world to develop a merino wool layering system for the outdoors. It was also the first outdoor apparel company in the world to source merino directly from growers, a system it began in 1997. Icebreaker merino clothing for the outdoors, technical sports and lifestyle includes underwear, mid layer garments, outerwear, socks and accessories for men, women and children. Icebreaker is based in Wellington, New Zealand, and is sold in more than 3000 stores in 43 countries.

                   Icebreaker opened its first California TouchLab store in San Francisco in November 2011. The company has three other US TouchLabs: one in Portland, Oregon (home of its US headquarters), and two in New York City – Soho and the Meatpacking District. In Canada, there are TouchLabs in Vancouver, British Columbia, and in Montréal, Canada.

See icebreaker.com for more information about Icebreaker, and jeremymoon.me for more information on Icebreaker founder and CEO Jeremy Moon.

New Retail Coming to Santana Row

It looks like many new additions are coming to Santana Row this year. Two new retailers have just been announced. Lavazza Espression is a high-end espresso shop that will be added near the office lobby in the 300 building (same building with The Yard House). Drybar will setup shop across from Hotel Valencia and offer women a shampoo and hair styling for $35. A press release with more information for both is below.

Also slated for Santana Row this year: H&M expansion into the former Border's Store, Kate Spade New York, Icebreaker TouchLab, Clary Sage Organics and The Veggie Grill (a very highly-rated vegetarian restaurant replacing Wahoo's).

***************************************

Coming to Santana Row:
Drybar, a Blowouts Only Salon, and Lavazza
Espression, an Italian Coffee Shop

San Jose, CA (May 30, 2012) - Drybar, a buzzed about shampoo and blow dry-only salon and
Lavazza Espression, an Italy-based coffee shop, are the newest additions opening at Santana
Row. They're the most recent tenants to sign on at the Bay Area's most dynamic shopping and
dining destination.

Drybar is slated to open this summer at 377 Santana Row, across the street from Park
Valencia. The salon started a revolutionary concept by offering women a shampoo and blow-dry
styling for a flat rate of $35 and the motto, "No cuts. No color. Just blowouts."
The founder, Alli Webb, opened the first salon in Brentwood (in L.A.) and  Drybar has since
grown to 14 locations across the country. Celebrity regulars include Jennifer Love Hewitt,
Amanda Bynes, Mary Steenburgen, Maria Shriver and Rose McGowan, who liked the concept
so much that she became an investor.

Company CEO is Webb's brother, Michael Landau, a former brand marketing manager for
Yahoo!

The 1,499 square foot location at Santana Row features all the whimsical components that
make Drybar such a hit: bright yellow ionic hair dryers that hang from ceiling fixtures and a
menu of blowout styles named after cocktails. Ask for a Mai Tai and you'll get a sexy beach look.
The Manhattan is a sleek city blowout. They're served with complimentary wine, champagne,
coffee or tea.

Lavazza Espression is scheduled to open this fall at 300 Santana Row next to Hastens at the
entrance of the office lobby. Lavazza's history started more than 110 years ago when founder
Luigi Lavazza opened a small grocery store in Turin. He is credited with inventing the concept of
the blend, the art of mixing coffee of different origins to obtain a flavorful brew.

Lavazza, known as Italy's favorite coffee since 2007, is expanding its presence around the world
with a contemporary and innovative approach to coffee with Espression cafes, a place where
consumers can experience an extraordinary blend of coffee creations and fresh food in an
atmosphere of award-winning design. Innovation and research are two essential ingredients for
Espression. The menu ranges from the very best of Italian traditional coffee drinks coffee and a
rich menu offering featuring fresh bakery goods, panini sandwiches, chocolate drinks and
gelato. The chain's signature atmosphere is the embodiment of eclectic creativity, characterized
by a sophisticated ambience of the best in Italian design.

Drybar and Lavazza join kate spade New York, Icebreaker TouchLab, Clary Sage Organics and
The Veggie Grill as the newest additions to Santana Row. Meanwhile, retailer H&M is tripling its
space by moving to the 26,000 square-foot location formerly occupied by Borders Books. The
move to the corner spot on Olin Avenue and Santana Row is expected in the fall and means the
store will be large enough to also carry apparel and accessories for men and children.

Almaden Ranch Development

I'm going to start off by saying that I think we're going to have some mixed opinions on this one. Last month the city council approved a 350,000 sqft "big box" retail development between Oakridge Mall and Almaden Plaza. It is a $30-50M project that is not being subsidized. The only rumored tenant so far is a Dick's Sporting Goods.

Now my first question is, what other "big box" tenants or chain restaurants could they possibly add there that don't already exist in the area? If you look at the map below, every chain you can imagine already exists somewhere in the vicinity. There are already millions of square feet of car-oriented retail in the area.

My second question is... in today's economy is it better to snatch the opportunity for a development such as this one or would it have been better to wait for a better use of this acreage? I would have preferred a mixed use development with housing, office, and local retail that is pedestrian friendly. This seems like a great place for an urban village. It's a tough call... take the tax money now or sit on empty land hoping for a better proposal in the future.

Source: SJBJ

New Orchard Supply Opens in South San Jose

Orchard Supply is one of the oldest San Jose companies still around. It was here long before there was even a semblance of Silicon Valley. It looks like they are going back to their roots and are being spun off from their parent, Sears. They are also launching a new concept store right here in South San Jose, at the corner of Meridian and Blossom Hill in Princeton Plaza (formerly a Mervyn's). The 60,000 sqft space will have a new layout, canopy facade, and even clothing.

For more info, click here.

The Usuals is Coming to The San Pedro Square Market!

From The Usuals Newsletter:

Did you hear we are opening a new location?

It's true. The Usuals is expanding! We are soft opening this weekend, 9/17-9/18, at San Pedro Square Market during the SJMADE X SJEATS event.
Please welcome Showroom San Jose to the list of merchants at this exciting new downtown San Jose project. Because of the growing number of graphic t-shirt enthusiasts who shop at The Usuals, the Showroom is a t-shirt bar that showcases a larger selection of tees, accessories, art, and more! This weekend we're testing-out our spot before our grand opening in October. It's exciting times, friends. Thanks to all of you for the support! Come-by and say hello.

Special thanks to Fernando 'FORCE 129' for designing and installing our new Showroom sign! Check him out at: www.force129.com.

  

 
SJMADE X SJEATS 

Saturday, September 17th :: 11a-7p
Sunday, September 18th :: 11a-7p

San Pedro Square Market
87 N. San Pedro Street
Downtown San Jose

San Jose Made (SJMADE) is a vendor fair where local San Jose makers, labels, brands, and artists showcase and sell current projects and goods.


For the Fall 2011 installation of SJMADE, we will be at San Pedro Square Marketin Downtown San Jose. For two days, September 17th and 18th, our SJMADE vendors will be showcasing goods alongside various San Pedro Square Market merchants.

  

SJEATS  

SJEATS is serving lunch (11:00a-3:00p) with their arsenal of delicious gourmet food trucks. See the list of food trucks!

SATURDAY, 9/17 (11a to 3p)
An the Go
Eat on Monday
MoBowl
MoGo BBQ
O Mi Ninja
Sanguchon
Soulnese
Treatbot

SUNDAY, 9/18 (11a to 3p)
BBQ Kalbi
House of Siam
Le Bon
Louisiana Territory
Iz It
Sam's Chowdermobile
Soulnese

LIVE MUSIC IN THE MARKET COUTYARD

Saturday, 9/17
11:30a-12:30p :: Graywolf
1:00p-2:00p :: Jahirus, Backyard Rastafari Chants
2:30p-3:30p :: Never Right Now
4:00p-5:00p :: Sub Ren
5:30p-7:00p :: Vida Killz, Anya

Sunday, 9/18
2:30p-3:30p :: Pat Parra
4:00p-5:00p :: Never Right Now

LIVE PAINTING

Park Bench Collective
Kori Thompson


Admission is completely FREE!!!!

Thanks, and see you guys there!

THE USUALS

Nothing Bundt Cakes Comes to Willow Glen!

Fresh from the Oven,

Nothing Bundt Cakes Debuts in San Jose

Local bakery brings unique dessert concept to Willow Glen area

San Jose, Calif., Aug. 22, 2011– One-of-a-kind Nothing Bundt Cakes − purveyors of nostalgic yet refreshingly modern Bundt cakes − is spreading its wholesome goodness to San Jose and the Willow Glen community. The newest bakery is located in Dry Creek Center at 1702 Meridian Ave. and will host several grand opening activities beginning August 24 and continuing for several days.

Nothing Bundt Cakes reintroduces an old family favorite – the Bundt cake - with a fresh, clean look that appeals to all ages. Each cake features custom concept cake decorations that are smart, contemporary and fun, customized to enhance any occasion. Nothing Bundt Cakes offers customers a wide range of cake selections, from Bundtlets – single serving cakes – to the larger Bundts that serve up to 18 people and tiered cakes, which serve up to 26 people.

Grand opening celebrations include:

·         Wednesday, Aug. 24

o   11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Ribbon cutting with the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce with Nothing Bundt Cakes local bakery owners, Angela and Rod Simas

·         Thursday, Aug. 25

o   4 to 7 p.m. – Wine tasting with Mommy Juice Wines. Delicious Bundt cake samples will be available for guests to pair with their wine, as well as an assortment of fine cheese and artisan crackers

·         Friday, Aug. 26

o   10 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Child Advocates of Silicon Valley Day, 20 percent of all proceeds benefit the organization

·         Saturday, Aug. 27

o   10 a.m. – First 50 customers to make a purchase receive free cake for a year

“We are excited to further enrich San Jose, Willow Glen and surrounding communities around our bakery by bringing Nothing Bundt Cakes to the neighborhood,” said Angela Simas, Nothing Bundt Cakes local bakery owner.  “Partnering with meaningful organizations here, including Child Advocates of Silicon Valley, furthers our commitment and dedication to the city in which we live and work.”

--more—

Fresh from the Oven, Nothing Bundt Cakes Debuts in San Jose

-- add one --

Made fresh daily using only the finest ingredients available, Nothing Bundt Cakes combines great taste and creative merchandising to appeal not only to taste buds but to all five senses. Customers are greeted by the smell of freshly baked cakes the minute they cross the store threshold. A soothing yet warm color palette meets the eye with whimsical furniture and hand-painted signage reminiscent of yesteryear but with a clean, fresh approach. The Nothing Bundt Cakes staff instantly makes customers feel right at home with a friendly welcome.

“We’ve learned that Bundt cakes hold a special place in the heart of consumers across the nation, as many folks can remember a loved one baking a special Bundt cake just for them,” said Dena Tripp, co-founder of Nothing Bundt Cakes. “Our franchisees are not only an integral part our growth strategy, but they are also an integral part of connecting to the community through the love of the handmade Bundt cake. We look forward to a successful partnership and becoming part of this city.”

Nothing Bundt Cakes is one of the nation’s few bakery/retail locations committed to the baking of Bundt cakes. The bakery specializes in offering celebration solutions for moments that matter and always enhancing their customers’ celebrations. Currently, there are 40 signed franchise agreements, with 31 bakeries already open across nine states. Founded in 1997, Nothing Bundt Cakes is headquartered in Las Vegas, NV. For more information, please visit www.nothingbundtcakes.com.

Yogurtland is Coming Downtown

A brand new Yogurtland is coming to Downtown San Jose near SJSU at 125 E. San Carlos Street.  Some of you may remember this as the old Gamestop space. Thanks to Arlene for the tip!

Umpqua Bank Coming to San Jose

Oregon based Umpqua Bank is planning to open 6-8 locations in Silicon Valley, and the first will be a 3,000+ sqft branch in Downtown San Jose. With $11.5 billion in assets, they are actually much larger than most of the other business-oriented banks in Silicon Valley like Fremont Bank ($2.5B). They also have some unique marketing strategies such as free cappuccinos in their branches and handing out free treats from their own ice cream trucks. The Downtown San Jose branch should be open by early 2012.

For more info, pick up a copy of the San Jose Business Journal and turn to page 5 (sorry no hyperlink for this one).

Froyo Delight is Now Open!

Today was Froyo Delight's first day open for business. I randomly stumbled upon this as I saw a line of people out the door as I was driving to a meeting. When I drove back to try it, they were sold out of yogurt but at least I did get to talk to one of the workers there. Froyo Delight is immediately next to Dac Phuc on Santa Clara Street (in fact I think they have the same owner). They have several varieties of frozen yogurt, smoothies, and espresso. Looked like a nice little shop.

They are open from 8am - 8pm every day, and for this week only all of the yogurt is free from 8am-noon! They also mentioned free parking in one of the 2 spaces in front of the adjacent dry cleaners building (which I think they own as well).

Retail Briefs: New H&M and Right Aid Stores Come to San Jose

The second H&M in San Jose is slated to open on May 5th at Oakridge (the 1st location is at Santana Row). They specialize in inexpensive designer clothing.

In addition, a brand new "customer world" format Rite Aid is opening on April 28th at 3111 McLaughlin Avenue. The spin on the new format seems to be a focus on health and wellness products.

Lastly, the Yard House is now open at Santana Row. Expect an astronomical selection of beers on tap and a very long wait to get a table or bar seat.

For more information click here.

Rock Climbing is Coming to SoFA!

Let's start off the week with some good news. The remnants of Club WET in SoFA will soon become a 14,000 sqft Rock Climbing Gym called Touchtone. WET was frequently wrought with issues--such as fights and a few stabbings--that I think created a negative perception of the area. I'm pretty confident this will be a better use for the space and hopefully they can incorporate a little artsy SoFA character into it.

By the way, there used to be a Touchtone in Downtown San Jose. It was right next to Camera 12 and had what might have been the smallest rock wall in existence. No, seriously it was maybe 10 feet tall. I had to chuckle at it every time I walked by. The new SoFA Touchtone won't have that same problem as the climbing walls will be at least 35 feet tall.

New Stores Coming to Santana Row

In the latest San Jose Business Journal, 4 new Santana Row stores and one expansion were revealed:

• Electric Car Showroom
• 1,900 sqft
• Between BCBG Max Azria and Franco Uomo

• Furniture Retailer
• 3,610 sqft
• Next to The Container Store

• Gourmet Grocery Store
• 3,900 sqft
• Next to Lavande Nail Spa

• Women's Apparel Store
• 2,000 sqft
• Between Brooks Brothers and Straits

• Expanding from 675 sqft to 1,344 sqft

Tesla is Coming to Santana Row!

Tesla may not have been able to relocate their offices and factory to North San Jose as originally planned, but they will have a presence here. The word just got out that they are planning to build a "store" at Santana Row! Instead of using dealers and 3rd parties, they are planning to sell cars directly to consumers much like an Apple store. They already have 30 of these worldwide that are either open already or near opening, and the closest one right now is the original in Menlo Park.

I imagine the first car they will sell at the store will be the Model S (pictured below), a $56k all electric vehicle with up to a 300 mile battery, 0-60 of 5.6 seconds, a 17 inch LCD touchscreen, and seating for up to 7 people. These will start shipping in late 2012.

This year Tesla will also announce the Model X, which is a crossover version built on the same platform as the Model S. Eventually they will also release a Model C (~$30k compact or midsize electric car) and a new roadster to replace their current $100k+ speed demon--which may transform into a 4-seat convertible in it's second life. While I'm a huge advocate of Downtown San Jose, I think Tesla made the right choice with Santana Row. Now please excuse me while I check my couch for some spare change.

SJMADE One-Day Hyperlocal Retail Event!

San Jose Made
Saturday, January 29, 2011
1:00p - 7:00p

San Jose Made (SJMADE) is a one-day event comprised of local store-owners, makers, artists, and purveyors of Bay Area goods. From garage silk screeners, to twilight jewelry artists, to local brick-and-mortars, San Jose's homegrown scene is growing and flourishing. Meet creative minds from San Jose as well as other parts of the Bay Area.
The Usuals will be there! We've got a prime location on the second floor mezzanine.

SJMADE will be at the vacant restaurant (formerly Spiedo) on the corner of W. Santa Clara St. and San Pedro St. in San Jose. For a full line-up and descriptions of participating vendors, check-out the SJMADE website:www.sanjosemade.com

Questions? Send us an email at: info@shoptheusuals.com. See you there!

Whole Foods Comes to San Jose

The first Whole Foods in San Jose proper is now open on Blossom Hill. The 50,000 sqft store has some unique twists such as a Middle Eastern shawarma bar, 200 products from local vendors, 300 different types of beers, an in-store dining area, coffee bar made out of recycled materials, and a play area for kids. In fact, it's unique enough that Whole Foods will offer tours of the store to patrons.

To balance out the good news with some predictable bad news, the Downtown San Jose Whole Foods has been delayed from 2011 to 2013. Maybe that will give them enough time to put rooftop parking back in the plans for that location.

Target @ First Now Open!

The anchor retail store in the 1.35 million square foot @First development is now open (at the intersection of 237 and First St). It happens to be one of the nicest Targets I've ever seen, and at almost 140,000sqft it's a sizable one as well. Up next for opening looks like one of the hotels and the rest of the Brocade Headquarters. In 2011 we should see some restaurants, small shops, a bank, and a second hotel pop up as well.

Fresh & Easy Comes to San Jose (Willow Glen)

The first Fresh & Easy Grocery Store in the South Bay is coming early next year to a former Albertsons on the corner of Bird and Minnesota and will be between 13,000 and 14,000sqft. Fresh & Easy Markets focus on fresh and organic foods. Click here for more details.

Other Retail Openings in San Jose (Non-Downtown)

The Alameda Neighborhood Business District

New Retail Openings:
• The Usuals – 1020 The Alameda
• Elefante Blanco – 1343 The Alameda

Retail Under Construction:
• Beauty Salon – 1345 The Alameda - Opening 3rd Quarter 2010

North 13th Street Neighborhood Business District

Retail Under Construction:
• Apatzingan Mercado – 901 Oakland Road - Opening 2nd Quarter 2010

Story Road Neighborhood Business District

Retail in Permitting Phase:
• Fox’s Pizza Den – 1698 Story Road #40 - Opening 2nd Quarter
• Nubi Yogurt – 1698 Story Road #20 - Opening 2nd Quarter 2010
• Metro PCs – 1698 Story Road #60 - Opening 2nd Quarter 2010
• Bank of America – 1107 S. King Road - Opening 2nd Quarter 2010

West San Carlos St. Neighborhood Business District

Retail Under Construction:
• Moda Italia (expansion) - 350 Bird Avenue - Opening 2nd Quarter 2010

Winchester Business District

Retail Under Construction:
• Pho 24 Restaurant - 747 S. Winchester Blvd. (First Financial Plaza) – Opening 2nd Quarter 2010
• Game Place (retail/service) - 747 S. Winchester Blvd. (First Financial Plaza) – Opening 2nd Quarter 2010

Strong Neighborhoods Initiative Retail

Hoffman/Via Monte SNI Retail Under Construction:
• Whole Foods (Pueblo Plaza at Blossom Hill Road/Almaden Expressway) – Opening 3rd Quarter 2010

West Evergreen SNI New Retail Opening:
• Sonoma Chicken Coop – 1735 E. Capitol Expressway (former Bakers Square at Silver Creek Plaza)