Boot Barn Heads to Blossom Hill Road Near Oakridge

Western-wear retailer Boot Barn will bring its first San Jose location to 932 Blossom Hill Road, the former Wagly Veterinary Hospital site. The 18,277-square-foot store is expected to open in 2027 and will sit close to Westfield Oakridge.

The Irvine-based chain specializes in boots, clothing, and accessories for work and everyday western style. Its nearest current stores stand in San Martin and Livermore, so the new site fills a clear gap for local shoppers. Brokers from Econic and CBRE handled the lease, noting the corridor’s strong mix of established shopping centers, nearby homes, and easy access.

Silicon Valley retail vacancy recently tightened to 4.9 percent, reflecting solid demand and limited new construction. Boot Barn continues expanding nationally with plans for 70 additional stores this fiscal year as it works toward a long-term total of 1,200 locations.

Source: SVBJ

Sakura Market Brings Japanese Vibes to Downtown San Jose

Downtown San Jose gained a distinctive new retail option when Sakura Market held its soft opening on June 24 at the corner of South First Street and Paseo de San Antonio. The 5,000-square-foot store occupies the former Muji space and draws inspiration from Japan’s popular konbini convenience stores.

Shoppers can find groceries, beverages, grab-and-go items, a mini-mart selection, sake and beer bar, sushi buffet, instant ramen bar, matcha tea shop, and a wide range of Japanese snacks alongside everyday essentials. Owned by Osaka Marketplace, the location serves as a smaller version of their larger concepts and is adapted to best serve local residents (like neighboring SJSU students).

The opening helps address a noticeable gap in grocery options within Downtown San Jose. The area has lacked convenient food retail since a small-format Safeway closed in 2019. This will particularly benefit residents near San Jose State University’s Spartan Village and visitors staying at the Signia by Hilton hotel, but I'd expect it to draw people from all over the area.

One really unique feature is the instant ramen bar where you choose all of your toppings, pay, and then quickly cook your ramen at the bar. The self-serve sushi bar also looks like a winner for anyone wanting to grab a quick meal.

Sakura Market is actively hiring for positions including cashiers, customer service, stockers, cleaning staff, bartenders, and sushi preparers, with pay ranging from $18.45 to $21 per hour for part-time and full-time roles. The unique mix of food, drink, and experience-oriented retail stands to draw both locals and tourists seeking something different from standard mall offerings.

This addition strengthens the vibrant mix of shops and eateries that make Downtown San Jose an increasingly appealing destination to live and explore.

Source: SiliconValley.com

Vallarta Supermarkets to Open Larger Store at The Plant Shopping Center in San Jose

San Jose will soon welcome a new grocery destination as Vallarta Supermarkets prepares to open in the former Toys "R" Us space at The Plant shopping center. The nearly 60,000 square foot location will exceed the chain's usual store size and will bring approximately 150 new jobs to the area with its mid to late November opening. The center already draws crowds for Target, Home Depot, and Ulta Beauty, and this addition will turn the hub into an even stronger one-stop destination for household needs.

The family-owned chain began as a Mexican meat market back in 1985 and has directed its growth northward from a Southern California foundation in recent years. Officials signed the lease for the San Jose site about a year ago after evaluating options. They have pointed to the central position, straightforward access, and ample parking as factors that made the location stand out, particularly with other major retailers already on site to form a full shopping stop.

Company leadership has built the brand around quality, cleanliness, and service that reflect what they would choose for their own families and communities. The additional space in this store will support a wider array of fresh items while preserving those core standards throughout. Leaders have also shared hopes of opening further stores in San Jose, noting the city offers the scale and vitality to sustain more than one Vallarta location.

This development will deliver expanded grocery options along with new employment opportunities in a thriving section of the city. Shoppers seeking quality fresh goods and reliable service will gain a convenient new choice within a well-established retail environment. The opening reflects San Jose's ongoing ability to draw in regional businesses that see value in investing here and serving local residents.

Source: SVBJ

Downtown San Jose Retail Updates at The Grad and Centerra

The Grad just lost a tenant (Ding Tea) but picked up two new ones: Delah Coffee and Naz's Halal. Delah Coffee is a poular chain of Yemeni and Middle Easter cafes. They are known for culturally rich beverages and cozy interiors. Some of their specialty drinks include spiced Adeni Chai and Harazi Coffee along pastries like baklava and Turkish delights.

Naz's Halal is a rapidly growing fast-casual chain serving NYC-style halal platter and gyros. They're known for generous portions at affordable prices (perfect for The Grad).

On the other side of Downtown San Jose, Centerra finally has a new tenant next to Dr. Ink. Palmetto Superfoods is opening their newest location in that primo spot across the street from the San Pedro Square Market. They are a California-based chain featuring customizable Brazilian açaí bowls and superfood smoothies.

Source: Robertee from Skyscraper City

Sephora Adds Convenient Beauty Stop Near Downtown San Jose

Sephora announced plans for a new store at 519 Coleman Avenue inside the San Jose Market Center. Construction has progressed steadily, and the doors will open on June 5, placing premium cosmetics and beauty products roughly a mile north of Downtown San Jose.

This location marks the brand’s sixteenth in Silicon Valley and the first within five miles of Downtown San Jose. The nearest existing Sephora sits at Westfield Valley Fair, which straddles the San Jose and Santa Clara border, so residents on the north side will enjoy shorter drives and easier access for their favorite brands and new discoveries.

The San Jose Market Center already draws steady traffic with anchors such as Target, Marshalls, Michaels, and PetSmart. New dining additions including Supreme Crab, a Cajun seafood buffet, and Slice House by Tony Gemignani will give visitors even more reasons to linger before or after browsing the beauty aisles.

Sephora entered the U.S. market in 1998 and now operates more than 1,800 stores nationwide. California holds the largest share, representing about 13 percent of the company’s domestic footprint. The expansion aligns with San Jose’s retail strength, which a recent Marcus & Millichap report described as the least volatile Bay Area market and a beacon of stability compared with higher vacancy trends elsewhere in the region.

Source: SVBJ

Sakura Market Brings Japanese Flavors and Convenience to Downtown San Jose

Downtown San Jose residents and San Jose State University students will soon gain a vibrant new destination for groceries and Japanese specialties. Sakura Market has started preparing its space along The Paseo de San Antonio between South Market Street and South First Street, right next to the Spartan Village housing tower. The former Muji location which closed in 2020 will transform into a multifaceted spot that blends everyday shopping with dining experiences.

Osaka Marketplace, the operator behind locations in Fremont and Foster City, envisions more than a standard mini-mart. The store will include a curated sushi buffet, an interactive instant ramen station, a Japanese sake and beer bar, and a dedicated matcha tea shop. These elements create a lively hub where people can grab fresh ingredients, enjoy a quick meal, or relax with a drink.

The addition fills a noticeable gap in downtown grocery options that has existed since a small-format Safeway closed on South Second Street in 2019. While Whole Foods Market and Grocery Outlet sit on the edges of the area, Sakura Market places convenient access directly in the heart of the action. Local real estate professionals have pointed out that retail additions like this strengthen the city and deliver a smart mix of grocery, restaurant, and retail offerings.

Hiring signs already appear at the site as the team seeks cashiers, stockers, sushi preparers, bartenders, and other roles with wages from $18.45 to $21 an hour. The project reflects a broader trend of Asian-themed stores expanding across the Bay Area, bringing fresh energy and practical choices to neighborhoods that value both convenience and cultural flavors.

Source: The Mercury News

Crewners Barber Shop Finds New Life in Willow Glen

Willow Glen welcomed a refreshed Crewners Barber Shop when it opened its new doors at 1393 Lincoln Avenue on February 17. Owner Dan Dixon designed the 790-square-foot space with room to grow, beginning with two chairs and preparing to expand to four while adding barbers and services such as hair washing.

Customers have responded with enthusiasm. The shop now serves a younger demographic that includes families and remote tech workers who prefer a more relaxed, pampering experience over rushed appointments. You can even enjoy a locally-made craft energy drink called Bad Mermaid during your appointment (the company has the same ownership as Crewners).

Crewners carries a resilient San Jose story. Founded in 2011 as the first tenant in San Pedro Square, the business later operated in several Downtown San Jose locations and Japantown before reopening in Willow Glen as a full brick-and-mortar shop once again.

This new chapter strengthens Willow Glen’s reputation as a place where independent local businesses can thrive and build lasting connections with the community. San Jose residents who stop by will discover exactly the kind of neighborhood spot that keeps the city feeling personal and full of character.

Source: SVBJ

San Jose Welcomes Rowan’s First California Studio to Santana Row

San Jose has welcomed Rowan to Santana Row and in doing so has secured a fresh destination that redefines ear piercing for everyone from first-timers to seasoned enthusiasts. This modern studio arrives with clinical training at its core, delivering procedures performed exclusively by licensed nurses who follow strict operational standards developed over years of nationwide growth. The result stands as a milestone experience rather than a rushed errand, complete with hypoallergenic earrings selected to minimize any discomfort long after the appointment ends.

Residents who value precision will notice the difference immediately. Rowan maintains an adverse reaction rate below one percent through its dedicated clinical protocol, a stark improvement over typical industry figures. That consistency has fueled expansion to more than one hundred studios across the country, and Santana Row now serves as the gateway for California. Families marking birthdays, teens choosing their first lobes, or anyone refreshing an existing look can step in knowing safety and style receive equal attention in a space designed for comfort from the moment of arrival.

Santana Row already draws crowds for its mix of dining, retail, lifestyle and entertainment attractions, so this just adds another option to the list. Rowan’s intentional design blends medical expertise with welcoming aesthetics, turning what could feel clinical into something celebratory and approachable.

2nd Street USA Brings Japanese Resale Fashion to San Jose

The grand opening of 2nd Street USA takes place at the Strawberry Park Shopping Center on January 30. This marks the brand's first location in Silicon Valley, expanding its presence in California where it already operates 11 stores. Known for its thoughtful approach to fashion resale, 2nd Street offers a curated selection of luxury, vintage, and everyday pieces that emphasize quality and longevity.

The store at 603 Saratoga Ave occupies around 3,450 square feet and joins neighbors like Mitsuwa supermarket and Daiso Japan, creating a natural draw for customers interested in Japanese brands and culture. The company chose this spot after careful scouting, recognizing the South Bay's potential and the synergy with nearby tenants that attract similar shoppers. This opening reflects 2nd Street's steady growth since its U.S. debut in Los Angeles in 2018, now bringing its model to our community.

At the heart of 2nd Street is a commitment to sustainability through its buying program, where customers can bring in used clothing and accessories for cash or store credit. Staff aim to make offers on nearly everything, supporting a circular system that keeps textiles in use longer. Items that don't sell in stores often go to local charities via the Hand2Hand program, reducing waste while giving shoppers an easy way to refresh their wardrobes responsibly. 10 to 15 local jobs will also be created with the new location.

Source: SVBJ

New Retail Sparks in Downtown San Jose at 188 West St. James

There are some promising developments at the housing towers on 188 West St. James Street. These buildings have long featured empty ground-floor commercial spaces totaling around 32,000 square feet, but now brokers are actively seeking tenants to bring them to life. The location stands out for its proximity to San Pedro Square, a hub that draws steady foot traffic from locals and visitors alike. This setup positions the spaces perfectly to serve both residents above and the surrounding community.

Among the ideas gaining traction is a small grocery store modeled after a bodega, the kind of independently owned spot that offers everyday essentials with a personal touch. Such a store could fill much of the 20,000 square feet directly under the housing units, providing quick access to fresh goods without leaving the neighborhood. Other possibilities include a cheese, wine, and delicatessen establishment, which would cater to those seeking specialty items for gatherings or daily treats. The market potential here feels substantial, especially as Downtown grows with more people calling it home.

A two-story building next door along North San Pedro Street opens up even more options, like a restaurant to complement the nearby dining scene or a beauty salon and nail shop for self-care services. While challenges exist, such as the need for significant improvements to make the spaces ready, the overall vibe points toward positive change. These additions could enhance the walkable, community-focused feel that makes Downtown San Jose special, drawing more activity and fostering connections among neighbors.

Source: The Mercury News

Club Studio Fitness Gym Enhances El Paseo de Saratoga in San Jose

Fitness International recently secured a lease for about 30,000 square feet at El Paseo de Saratoga, paving the way for a new Club Studio Fitness gym in the shopping center. Located at 910 to 1000 El Paseo de Saratoga, next to the AMC Saratoga 14 theater, this addition fills a space previously occupied by short-term fitness tenants that have since closed. The move aligns with the company's expansion under its LA Fitness and City Sports Club brands, offering San Jose residents modern workout facilities in a convenient spot at the corner of Saratoga Avenue and Lawrence Expressway.

Sand Hill Property Company oversees the ongoing redevelopment of the mixed-use neighborhood, which includes plans for new housing alongside retail growth. In the past three years, the center has welcomed 16 new merchants, with 10 more on the horizon, including anchors like Whole Foods Market.

Source: The Mercury News

Lucid Group Celebrates Grand Opening of New San Jose Studio and Service Center

Lucid Group marked a milestone yesterday with the grand opening of its first San Jose studio and service center at 250 Stockton Avenue. This facility expands the company's Bay Area presence, joining existing studios at Westfield Valley Fair Mall and in Newark, near headquarters. The event drew attention with appearances from company executives, a ribbon cutting ceremony, and demonstration drives of the Lucid Air sedan and Lucid Gravity SUV, allowing attendees to experience these electric vehicles firsthand.

The 92,500-square-foot building, originally constructed in 1966 and remodeled in August 2023, now serves as a hub for vehicle servicing in the San Jose area. Previously, the nearest service option was in Millbrae, making this addition a convenient boost for local owners. Lucid's move aligns with a recent surge in electric vehicle sales, where the company reported a 46.6 percent increase in third-quarter deliveries amid broader industry growth from brands like General Motors, Ford, and Toyota.

San Jose's role in the EV landscape grows stronger with developments like this, as Lucid pushes forward with partnerships to develop domestic battery materials and collaborations with Nuro and Uber for robotaxi services. These initiatives highlight the city's position at the forefront of sustainable transportation, drawing innovators and enthusiasts alike. This new center not only supports Lucid owners but also contributes to San Jose's economy by creating jobs and fostering tech-driven progress.

Lucid is also not the only EV company with significant operations in San Jose. It's a little known fact that before Tesla chose their Fremont site, their first choice was to open a manufacturing facility in North San Jose. State-level politics and policies ended that option, but at least the first Tesla store ever was in San Jose (Santana Row). Nio also has their US Headquarters in North San Jose.

Source: SVBJ

MiGi Cera Candles Celebrates Grand Opening in Downtown San Jose

Downtown San Jose welcomed a new addition to its creative scene with the recent grand opening of MiGi Cera Candles at 100 N. Almaden Ave. in San Pedro Square Market. The ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 18 featured remarks from Mayor Matt Mahan and the San Jose Downtown Association, marking the transition from a successful pop-up to a permanent storefront. This family-owned business, which began in 2018 when owner Marcelina Castro started crafting candles from her kitchen during maternity leave, now offers a dedicated space for non-toxic, handcrafted candles and self-care products. Named after her daughters Milah and Giannah, MiGi Cera Candles embodies personal touches that resonate with the community's spirit.

The shop emerged from the MOMENT Paseo program, a Downtown initiative launched in May 2024 to support local entrepreneurs by reducing barriers to retail. MiGi Cera Candles quickly gained traction in its shared pop-up space, drawing crowds eager for candle-making and soap-making workshops. Visitors can now explore signature scents blended from multiple oils, often inspired by loved ones and meaningful places. The new location serves as more than a retail spot, providing a venue for hands-on classes where people create, connect, and relax amid San Jose's lively atmosphere.

Castro's deep roots in San Jose made San Pedro Square the ideal choice for this expansion, surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shops that enhance the area's appeal. During the opening, special deals like buy-one-get-one-half-off on candles attracted enthusiastic attendees, highlighting the shop's commitment to community engagement. Open daily, MiGi Cera Candles invites residents and visitors to join workshops or pick up eco-friendly items, adding to the growing list of unique experiences that make Downtown San Jose a hub for innovation and community.

Santana Row's Exciting New Additions: A Taste of What's to Come

Santana Row, San Jose’s premier destination for shopping and dining, is gearing up for an exciting year with a wave of new stores and restaurants set to open this year. These fresh additions promise to enhance the vibrant energy of this iconic neighborhood, making it an even more irresistible spot for locals and visitors alike.

Kicking things off is Parranga, a Mexico City-style taqueria from the acclaimed Buen Rallo Group, known for gems like Suspiro and El Jardin. Opening its doors on April 1 at 300 Santana Row, Parranga brings a refined yet casual dining experience with its order-at-the-counter setup and a welcoming open-air patio. “Parranga is about bringing an incredibly traditional, Mexico City-style taqueria experience to Santana Row,” says Eduardo Rallo, chairman and founder of Buen Rallo Group. “We believe that great food should be fresh, accessible and above all, authentic – and that’s exactly what we’re offering.” Operating from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays (and until midnight on weekends), it’s set to be one of the earliest and latest dining options on the Row—perfect for breakfast tacos or late-night bites.

Joining the culinary scene is Augustine Cafe and Restaurant, already open and serving up California cuisine with French and Italian flair. Operated by the seasoned Bacchus Management Group, this spot adds yet another layer of flavor to Santana Row’s diverse dining lineup.

On the retail side, Santana Row is rolling out a stylish array of new stores. Kohler brings cutting-edge kitchen and bath design, while Bluemercury caters to beauty lovers with top-tier cosmetics. The Collective offers unique furnishings, and Evereve has taken over the ground floor of the former H&M space with its chic women’s clothing. Sézane, another women’s fashion boutique, rounds out the lineup. Meanwhile, Vuori is expanding its athletic-wear showroom next to Evereve, tapping into the active lifestyle vibe that’s thriving in San Jose.

Federal Realty Investment Trust, the masterminds behind Santana Row, see these developments as a sign of the city’s strength. “San Jose is thriving,” says Christian Irwin, Federal Realty’s vice president of West Coast leasing. “The demand for great retail is alive and well.” This growth isn’t just about new shops—it’s a reflection of Santana Row’s winning formula, blending restaurants, retail, housing, and offices into a bustling community hub.

From savoring authentic tacos at Parranga to browsing the latest fashion at Sézane, Santana Row’s newcomers are set to make 2025 a standout year!

Source: SVBJ, The Mercury News

New vision with restaurants and retail along the paseo in Downtown San Jose

The real estate firm Hines has filed a proposal to revamp three blocks of commercial space in Downtown San Jose. The project is being called Paseo Place and it would transform the space that was once a mall called The Pavilion.

The goal would be to transform Paseo de San Antonio into a vibrant new hub and attract new restaurants, retail, and entertainment tenants. In order to create a more inviting pedestrian space, the project will add canopies, trellises, pots, street furniture, outdoor seating, planters, and lighting elements.

It should be noted that there are already several successful businesses in this area such as Eos & Nyx, Urban Putt, and Scott's Seafood.

I couldn't be more excited to see how this area will be transformed in the coming years!

Source: The Mercury News

Mixed-use affordable housing in Midtown San Jose

A new mid-rise building has been proposed for Midtown between Downtown and Santana Row/Valley Fair.  The building would be a seven stories and 83 feet tall and include 94 affordable apartments along with 1,950 SQFT of retail on a compact 0.56-acre site. The mix would be 24 studios, 22 one-bedroom, 24, two-bedroom, and 24 three-bedroom units. There would be enough parking for 38 cars and 58 bicycles.

Amenities include on-site support services for households making less than 60% of the median income as well as a rooftop deck overlooking San Carlos street.

The address is 1921-1927 West San Carlos Street. Technically this is part of Burbank, an unincorporated part of Santa Clara County. Part of the project would annex this land to be part of the City of San Jose and raze five one-story commercial structures.

Groundbreaking is targeted for 2026, with 18 months of construction and a completion date sometime in 2028.

Source: SF YIMBY

New Ross store coming to East San Jose

A former site of a 23,700 SQFT Rite Aid at 1030 South White Road is going to get a new tenant. Ross has just signed a 10-year lease (with options to extend another 10 years). This is in the White Road Plaza shopping center anchored by a Cardenas Markets and dd's Discounts.

As many big box stores have been closing in recent years, it opens up opportunities for retailers like Ross that are financially performing well. It will also be nice to have access to another clothing store for the Alum Rock/East San Jose community.

Source: The Mercury News

Sky Zone coming to Hacienda Gardens in Willow Glen

A former Rite Aid that has been empty since October 2023 at Hacienda Gardens is getting a new lease on life. The trampoline park chain called Sky Zone is prepping to open a new location there in the middle of 2025.

Sky Zone picked the space since there are nor many active entertainment options in the immediate area for families, despite it being a family-friendly neighborhood. The real estate broker described the area as high-income with lots of kids.

Hacienda Gardens has 22 tenants total including Dollar Tree, Banfield Pet Hospital, Jack Holder's, Wells Fargo, and Ginza Sushi. There is one other Sky Zone in San Jose at 1901 Monterey Road.

Source: SVBJ

Santana Row has a Tesla CyberCab

San Jose has the first Tesla Store in the world. It has been significantly expanded since it's inception and is still tremendously popular after more than 12 years. As a flagship store, it also has been one of the first if not the first store to show off upcoming products. These included the Model X prototype, the Model 3, and Cybertruck in the past. 

Right now the Tesla Store at Santana Row has a working prototype of the Cybercab, Tesla's first vehicle that is exclusively designed for autonomous driving. It has no steering wheel or pedals. The craziest part is that consumers will be able to purchase it (estimated to be around $30k) and rent it out like an uber when not in use.

San Jose has a very high density of EVs, especially Teslas. When these start hitting roads in 2026 I think we'll see quite a lot of them. Tesla plans to build about 2 million Cybercabs per year, which is equal to all of the cars Tesla makes today combined. It's very cool that we are one of the first cities in the world where you can get up close and personal to one of these futuristic models (the production version will be nearly identical).

Source: X

Porsche is setting up shop at Santana Row

Santana Row made history as the very first location for a Tesla Store. It disrupted the entire auto market with a direct-to-consumer model and a buying experience similar to an Apple Store--perhaps because the person responsible for Apple Stores was behind the initial Tesla Store concept. Several auto makers followed suit including Lucid and Polestar which have similar stores across the street in Valley Fair. The Santana Row Tesla Store has also become so popular that it significantly expanded it's original square footage into a neighboring retail pad a few years ago. 

Now traditional automakers are getting in on the action. Porsche is opening their very first Porsche NOW concept at Santana Row.

The store will enable visitors to interact with the Porsche brand in a lounge-like environment and tinker with one of Porsche's electrified models such as the Taycan or Macan Electric. This would make sense given San Jose is the largest market for electric vehicles per capita of any large city in the US.

The Porsche NOW store is located near Hotel Valencia at 355 Santana Row and had their soft opening last week.

Source: SVBJ