Showing posts with label san jose shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label san jose shopping. Show all posts

Friday, February 2, 2024

Santana Row 2024 Lunar New Year Event on Feb 10th

Santana Row is welcoming the Year of the Dragon with entertainment and specials at several restaurants and stores. On February 10th, Santana Row Park will filled with lion dances, cultural performances, and surprise red envelopes containing gifts and offers. The event will be hosted by NBC Bay Area's Mike Inouye.

Scroll on down to see the dining and shopping specials that will only be available on Lunar New Year.


DINING SPECIALS:

Dumpling Time - Visit the pop-up bar outside Dumpling Time for to-go dumplings & drinks.

EMC Seafood - $20 gift card to customers that dine-in Chinese New Year who spend over $20 (before tips & tax) Card valid 2/25-4/30. One card per table, only in store.

Fogo De Chao - $25 Fogo Card for every purchase of a Trilogy Wine Box or purchase of the Seafood Tower Appetizer. 

LB Steak  - To celebrate the Year of the Dragon and the good fortune it will bring, LB Steak is offering a special Wagyu Fried Rice and cocktail offerings during February. Plus, receive a red envelope with your meal, containing a special offer to redeem upon your next visit. Offers include a complimentary dessert, appetizer, or even a Tomahawk steak!  Available for lunch and dinner, from February 10th-February 18th along with regular menus.

Maido - $5 off purchase from 2/10-2/19

Momosan  - Head into Momosan for a special discounted offer on 2/10/24.

Oveja Negra - 20% off 

Ozumo - Complimentary Dragon Crunch Roll with the purchase of a signature roll. Available 2/10/24 from 12pm-5pm.

Palmetto Superfoods - Pop in for an in-store promotion and 10% Off when you order the Just Acai Smoothie with Renude's Chaggaccino (must order with a staff member to receive discount)

Rosie McCann's - Enjoy Lunar New Year Festivities within Rosie McCann's and Chinese dinner special, plus specialty cocktail, Dragon Sour!

Straits- Receive a free glass of sparking for dine in guests only with your food order. 

SHOPPING SPECIALS:

Amour Vert - Year of the Dragon Sip & Style event , 2024  promotion and 15% off.
Atelier Studio - Receive $20 off for any new service.

BoConcept - 20% off 2/10/24-2/11/24

Fjällräven - End of season sale, select items 30% off.

Le Labo - 1.5 Ml Fragrance samples within red envelopes (while supplies last).

Optical Illusions - 35% off Trunk Show Items 2/10/24 only. 

Vince - 15% off entire purchase on 2/10/24 only. 

Some restrictions apply, see merchant for details.  Valid Saturday, February 10, 2024 only.


Friday, December 15, 2023

San Jose Winter Wonder Market this weekend at Westgate Center

A unique SJ Made event is going down this weekend inside of Westgate Center. Instead of taking place in a convention center or outside in a parking lot, they are utilizing all of the free space within the mall (see map below).

San Jose Winter Wonder Market will feature 150 makers, artists, designers, and creators. All of the Westgate Center stores will still be open, so you can do the rest of your Christmas shopping in one convenient place and support local small businesses at the same time.

Hours for the event will be from 11am-5pm on Dec 16th and 17th. Attendance and parking is free. There is also a VTA Bus Station on-site called "Campbell & Saratoga." Below you can find a hand map sorted both alphabetically and by booth number. For more info, head over here.






Vendor Lineup (sorted alphabetically)

(the) Lisa Inez - N02
2pomelo - K16
9 Lunas Accessories - B03
A Jar of Pickles - D01
A Jar of Pickles - D02
A Miyako M - Q03
Accessories NAGAOKA - Q01
Alice Yang - A21
Alpine Soapery - A15
Art by Julia - R02
Aubluvion - O02
Bad Art by Nice - H04
Bad Witch Crystals - Q02
bananabbean - D03
bb mad designs - P09
Boho Moon Art - F05
Browned Butter Babe Co. - P06
Bunniejing Studio - P10
Buppydogs - H01
BVanSoi - D05
Candy Paint Cafe - R04
CasaPlants Bay Area - P08
Ceramics By Jane - B15
Charlotte Truffles - K18
cherrypugpie - O01
Chibi-Oneechan - Q10
Christine's Cookie Co - M04
CloverLeafPie - A17
Cocochoon - K13
CositasContreras - G09
crochetwhispers - Q05
Cupcakes for College - Q07
Deercassette - Q08
Derptiles - P11
Dezireecustoms - F12
Draw Jess Draw - B14
DrawnbyIvy - B05
Dream Fields Indigo - K03
Earthside Candles Co - F07
eelsilog - A20
Eizel’s Bakery - K22
EnV Bags LLC - F01
Escama Studio - E03
Eternal Trinket - G08
Euphoric Sun - B10
Exhilo Apparel - A19
Fern Flower Studio - K11
Fine Art & Illustration by Tabitha Jensen | Pabkins - O04
Florabel - F03
Fluffed Animals - F11
Fonzie's Artisanal Goods - H08
Franci Cakes - H03
Future Bloom Apparel - F08
fuwaffy - A22
Fuzzlecat - R03
Gabbie Gallery - A12
Gabriel Edwards - E08
Galaxsea Emporium - K07
Girthybobastraw - K15
Golden Circle - P01
Golden Lemon Studio LLC - Q06
Golden Luxe Jewels - K04
goyangii - G07
Hachi Bit - F13
Hannah Hillam Illustration - G02
Happy Goods - E02
Hello Lily - E04
homeyviis - F06
Homie SF - A06
Huang Pottery - A07
ItsKleine - G11
Jale - K02
Jaliren - A09
JaneLi.Co - B02
Jellybee Jewelry - A08
Joce - O03
Jodi408 - J03
Joy Blossoms Clay - G01
Kawaii Glass Co - B13
Kelsiekishidraws - P04
Kindred Caramels - G04
Krafttee - C04
Kristine Chen Ceramics - K05
Kuailin Studio - K12
La Paloma Imports - B04
Le Petit Elefant - M02
Leila's Divine Designs - F10
LettucePunch - K10
Limpachi - K01
Linked By Trini - K09
Magnote - J01
McKinnon Collective - B01
Meelee Art - H05
Menmin Made - P05
Midori Chan - A14
MiGi Cera Candle Co - P07
MIMOPUFFS - K19
mintimelon marbles - K21
Misul Studios - A10
momofresh - K14
Motif's Art Studio - D04
Munespice - A05
Naptime Doodler - C01
Naptime Doodler - C02
Neko-Oi - Q11
No Thread No Life - A11
Nyaomikyu - K08
Out of the Woods - K24
Painting With James - B16
Panty Cat - H09
Paper Picture Mama - G06
Parasol Paper - P02
Peachirou - K23
Pink Little Clouds - A18
PinoyShotArt - A13
Prachie Studio - Q09
Prosecco Rose - H06
RainandJas - H10
rinihimme - K25
Rolilomi's Market - F04
Ronin Decals - F14
Rose Gold Jelly - Q12
Sakai Harts & Crafts - G03
sakuradragon - B18
sakuradragon - B20
Sam's Gourmet Jams - G10
Same Same Goods - E07
sanshocat studio - N01
Seto Arts - E01
Sherry Lou Studio - H07
shoyuscribbles - E06
SJMADE INFO BOOTH - I01
SJMADE INFO BOOTH - I02
SMOOCH - B08
Snippet Studios - B17
Snippet Studios - B19
soobiumi - A16
SoyFeliz - B09
Starry Droplets - K17
Sudibear - G05
Sundrop Studios - G12
Sweeter than Honey Bakery - H02
Teappo - P12
thanksxu - B12
The DLT Jewel Co. - K26
The Hungry Sloth - F02
The Joyful Thoughts - Q04
The Knotty Corgi - F09
The Little Forest Ceramic Shop - P03
The Little Red House - R01
Thrive Culture - E05
Treasure California - K06
Two Thicc Asians - B11
VinoBurrito - J02
Wild Rina - C03
Woofboard LLC - A24
Yanchako - B06
Yinaya - B07
Yours Truly, Mary Anne - A23


---


Vendor Lineup (sorted by booth number + row)

A05 - Munespice
A07 - Huang Pottery
A09 - Jaliren
A11 - No Thread No Life
A13 - PinoyShotArt
A15 - Alpine Soapery
A17 - CloverLeafPie
A19 - Exhilo Apparel
A21 - Alice Yang
A23 - Yours Truly, Mary Anne

A06 - Homie SF
A08 - Jellybee Jewelry
A10 - Misul Studios
A12 - Gabbie Gallery
A14 - Midori Chan
A16 - soobiumi
A18 - Pink Little Clouds
A20 - eelsilog
A22 - fuwaffy
A24 - Woofboard LLC

B01 - McKinnon Collective
B03 - 9 Lunas Accessories
B05 - DrawnbyIvy
B07 - Yinaya
B09 - SoyFeliz
B11 - Two Thicc Asians
B13 - Kawaii Glass Co
B15 - Ceramics By Jane
B17 - Snippet Studios
B19 - Snippet Studios

B02 - JaneLi.Co
B04 - La Paloma Imports
B06 - Yanchako
B08 - SMOOCH
B10 - Euphoric Sun
B12 - thanksxu
B14 - Draw Jess Draw
B16 - Painting With James
B18 - sakuradragon
B20 - sakuradragon

C01 - Naptime Doodler
C02 - Naptime Doodler
C03 - Wild Rina
C04 - Krafttee

D01 - A Jar of Pickles
D02 - A Jar of Pickles
D03 - bananabbean
D04 - Motif's Art Studio
D05 - BVanSoi

E01 - Seto Arts
E03 - Escama Studio
E05 - Thrive Culture
E07 - Same Same Goods

E02 - Happy Goods
E04 - Hello Lily
E06 - shoyuscribbles
E08 - Gabriel Edwards

F01 - EnV Bags LLC
F03 - Florabel
F05 - Boho Moon Art
F07 - Earthside Candles Co
F09 - The Knotty Corgi
F11 - Fluffed Animals
F13 - Hachi Bit

F02 - The Hungry Sloth
F04 - Rolilomi's Market
F06 - homeyviis
F08 - Future Bloom Apparel
F10 - Leila's Divine Designs
F12 - Dezireecustoms
F14 - Ronin Decals

G01 - Joy Blossoms Clay
G03 - Sakai Harts & Crafts
G05 - Sudibear
G07 - goyangii
G09 - CositasContreras
G11 - ItsKleine

G02 - Hannah Hillam Illustration
G04 - Kindred Caramels
G06 - Paper Picture Mama
G08 - Eternal Trinket
G10 - Sam's Gourmet Jams
G12 - Sundrop Studios

H01 - Buppydogs
H03 - Franci Cakes
H05 - Meelee Art
H07 - Sherry Lou Studio
H09 - Panty Cat

H02 - Sweeter than Honey Bakery
H04 - Bad Art by Nice
H06 - Prosecco Rose
H08 - Fonzie's Artisanal Goods
H10 - RainandJas

I01 - SJMADE INFO BOOTH
I02 - SJMADE INFO BOOTH

J01 - Magnote
J02 - VinoBurrito
J03 - Jodi408

K01 - Limpachi
K03 - Dream Fields Indigo
K05 - Kristine Chen Ceramics
K07 - Galaxsea Emporium
K09 - Linked By Trini
K11 - Fern Flower Studio
K13 - Cocochoon
K15 - Girthybobastraw
K17 - Starry Droplets
K19 - MIMOPUFFS
K21 - mintimelon marbles
K23 - Peachirou
K25 - rinihimme

K02 - Jale
K04 - Golden Luxe Jewels
K06 - Treasure California
K08 - Nyaomikyu
K10 - LettucePunch
K12 - Kuailin Studio
K14 - momofresh
K16 - 2pomelo
K18 - Charlotte Truffles
K22 - Eizel’s Bakery
K24 - Out of the Woods
K26 - The DLT Jewel Co.

M02 - Le Petit Elefant
M04 - Christine's Cookie Co

N01 - sanshocat studio
N02 - (the) Lisa Inez

O01 - cherrypugpie
O02 - Aubluvion
O03 - Joce
O04 - Fine Art & Illustration by Tabitha Jensen | Pabkins

P01 - Golden Circle
P03 - The Little Forest Ceramic Shop
P05 - Menmin Made
P07 - MiGi Cera Candle Co
P09 - bb mad designs
P11 - Derptiles

P02 - Parasol Paper
P04 - Kelsiekishidraws
P06 - Browned Butter Babe Co.
P08 - CasaPlants Bay Area
P10 - Bunniejing Studio
P12 - Teappo

Q01 - Accessories NAGAOKA
Q03 - A Miyako M
Q05 - crochetwhispers
Q07 - Cupcakes for College
Q09 - Prachie Studio
Q11 - Neko-Oi

Q02 - Bad Witch Crystals
Q04 - The Joyful Thoughts
Q06 - Golden Lemon Studio LLC
Q08 - Deercassette
Q10 - Chibi-Oneechan
Q12 - Rose Gold Jelly

R01 - The Little Red House
R02 - Art by Julia
R03 - Fuzzlecat
R04 - Candy Paint Cafe

Monday, October 9, 2023

Safeway next to Valley Fair Mall finally closing, perhaps opening up expansion opportunities

After 67 years, the anachronistic-looking Safeway next to Valley Fair mall is finally closing. It was only a matter of time given how valuable this land is and how unusual it is to have a Safeway right next to the most successful mall in California.

This opens a pretty significant expansion opportunity for the mall, which has been on a roll with both retail stores and experiences for visitors such as a high-end cinema, bowling, escape games, and foodie destinations like Eataly, Din Tai Fung, and Baekjeong. Perhaps the location could be used to push out Macy's Men's and extend the newest wing. This area is filled with premium outdoor dining, luxury retailers like Lucid Motors and new flagship stores (Apple, Burberry). While most malls are struggling, Valley Fair and Santana Row are both thriving, so now would be a great time to continue to invest.

As for the Safeway employees, they will all be given options to move to other stores in the area.

Source: SFGATE




Friday, September 22, 2023

Sidewalk Shops every Sunday through October 29th at San Pedro Square from 1pm to 5pm

A retail experience highlighting local entrepreneurs is taking place every Sunday in front of Moment SJ (60 N. San Pedro Street). Twelve different makers and artists will set up pop-up shops each week along the four local small business storefronts that already exist there--Woofboard, Tiny Keyboard Shop, Boho Moon Art, and Plant Slut.

You can park free for 90 minutes with no validation needed in the San Pedro Garage on-site. Enter the garage at 45 N. Market Street.

It's all outdoors, admission is free, and it's dog friendly. 

It's also a great opportunity to check out your favorite eateries or some of the newer restaurants on San Pedro such as Serious Dumpling, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ, Dr. Funk, and Slice of Homage Pizza.





Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Santana Row getting first Yeti store in Northern California and 3 new restaurants

Yeti specializes in innovative outdoor gear and apparel. They have a strong following of brand loyalists around the world and this happens to be their first store not just in Silicon Valley, but all of Northern California. The store is open today.

In other Santana Row news, Urban Plates will open on September 4th. The restaurants will focus on health-conscience seasonal dishes made from local ingredients. They have two other locations, Dublin (which I've been to and it's fantastic) and Sunnyvale.

In 2024, Fitoor--meaning passion in Arabic and Hindi--will bring an Indian grill and lounge to Santana Row. The team behind the new restaurant launched the Michelin-rated Indian restaurant ROOH in Palo Alto and San Francisco. They are planning an upscale twist on Indian cuisine with cocktails that have "dramatic flourishes" and ambiance they describe as sultry and luxe.

Last but not least, Suspiro is a new Peruvian and Spanish fusion restaurant by the same owners as El Jardin and Zazil. They are planning to capture the best flavors from both types of cuisine in an atmosphere that is visually captivating.

While many shopping districts are struggling right now, both Santana Row and Valley Fair seem to be more than holding their own. If only we had a solution to bypass the traffic getting into the area.



Tuesday, August 1, 2023

100 Things To Do In San Jose Before You Die - 2nd Edition

Welcome to the blog post that has stayed in "draft" the longest. I started writing this right as COVID had just started to spread and decided to table it until the pandemic was over. Then last year, life got crazy... so this has been in draft for over three years!

Five Eight years ago I read the first edition of Susannah Greenwood's "100 Things To Do in San Jose Before You Die." As a hardcore San Jose aficionado, I was shocked (and delighted) that I had only done 54 out of the 100 things to do in the book. There is so much to do and see in San Jose.

25% of the entries on the second edition are new, and the rest have been updates with extended tips. I have used the book as sort of a checklist to see how many I can do. The answer is 52. In the 2nd Edition I have been able to do 52/100.

Some of the new entries include:
  • Hiking Mount Umunhum
  • Having a picnic at the Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve
  • Bike, Blade, and Board at Viva CalleSJ
  • Letting your taste buds travel with a Little Ethiopian in Little Ethiopia
  • Indulge at Adega (I think this will be updated for the 3rd Edition)
  • Pair farm-fresh food with gorgeous valley views at the Mount Hamilton GrandView Restaurant
  • Celebrating the geekiest week of the year with Star Wars Day and Free Comic Book Day
...and many, many more. It's a great book and still very relevant, especially if you want to get the most out of the beautiful place where you live and uncover as many hidden gems and fun attractions as possible in your own home. San Jose is one of the most underrated cities in the United States, and this book will help explain why.

If I haven't been super clear, I highly recommend the 2nd edition (even if you have the first). You can get the book in paperback or Kindle form over here.


"In sitting down to revise the book, I thought a lot about San Jose, how it has and continues to change, as well as what a successful travel experience for me personally constitutes. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to 6 continents and I examined what my favorite places were and why they ranked so. Certainly natural beauty, history, cultural offerings and great weather all play a part in connecting one to a destination and creating a positive travel memory, but what it really comes down to for me, are the people. That is the x factor. The people you meet, at least in my experience, can leave as much of a lasting impression in many cases as the food or the views or the activities you engage in. The people you meet have the power to transform a moment into a story and create a shared experience that extends its impact well after you’ve returned home. In short; conversations create connection and that connection is ripe for the picking in San Jose.

They say it’s not about the destination - it’s the journey, but I think San Jose truly proves they’re both very much intertwined. The featured places and events in the book were especially selected to not only represent our culture and highlight our tremendous natural landscape, but to underscore our strong sense of community. Each of the entries certainly qualifies as a stand-alone adventure, but each of them also strives to put the participant directly in the path of our cities most magical asset; San Joseans. These are the places you’re most likely to strike up that all important conversation with the most passionate and knowledgeable secret tour guides, each genuinely eager to enhance and elevate your experience with additional history, tidbits, and previously undocumented advice. It’s less of a guide to physical places perhaps as it is a curation of potential conversations by which one can better understand and enjoy our awesome City.

Whether you're a first time visitor to this biggest little city in the heart of Silicon Valley, a regular traveler to the area, or a local this 2nd edition is a great catalyst to exploring what makes San Jose tick and getting to know the authentic San Jose." -Susannah Greenwood

Monday, July 24, 2023

Valley Fair to become the largest luxury watch retail site in the country

Valley Fair already has a huge list of over-the-top watch stores where you can buy timepieces that cost as much as Teslas. These include IWC Schaffhausen, Panerai, Jaeger LeCoultre and Vacheron Constantin. If you haven't heard of any of those (like myself) they they are probably out of your budget. 

CH Premier Jewelers is planning to build a 16,000 SQFT multi-brand flagship store that will have several different watch boutiques. These would be brands like Patek Philippe, Omega, Blancpain, and Breguet & Piaget. This sounds almost like a department store for watches that should come with free Dom Pérignon and caviar while you're shopping--and perhaps they will off that. New 2023 Patek Philippe watches sell for up to $9,000,000. I had to count zeroes, but yes that is correct.

The new addition will make Valley Fair the top destination in the US for ultra-luxury watches.

Source: Silicon Valley Joe from the San Jose Development Forum


 

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

SJMADE Fest May 20-21

This weekend SJMADE is hosting their Spring event at History Park. There will be over 300 vendors and several themed areas: Kitty Carnival with a kitten lounge; K-Pop Plaza featuring live performances; Maker Marketplace; Artist Avenue; and food trucks spread across Noddle Fest, Spicy Feast, and Sweets Street.

SJMADE Fest runs from 11am to 6pm both Saturday and Sunday. The first 1,000 people each day will get a door prize. For a full list of vendors and activities, head over here.



Monday, March 27, 2023

Valley Fair is expanding and hitting records

After investing over $1 billion in greatly increasing the square footage of Valley Fair, disaster struck with the COVID pandemic. While many shopping centers are still struggling, Valley Fair is currently hitting its stride with record numbers of visitors and retail activity. Foot traffic and retail sales are both way beyond pre-COVID days.

The recent additions of a flagship Bloomingdale's, Eataly, Showplace ICON cinema, a new Apple Store, and an outdoor upscale dining district were tremendous successes. However, there is already a long list of new retailers coming to Valley Fair in 2023.

Coming up is Bowlero, which has bowling and billiards. It also features several bars and a full menu. There are 3 other locations (South SJ, Cupertino, and Milpitas).

You have a new Escape Game venue coming, one of my favorite things to do with friends and/or coworkers.

For food options, you have Marugame Udon, Killiney Kopitiam (Singaporean cuisine), and the first Northern Californian Baekjeong Korean BBQ. 

Last but not least, if you can afford Swiss watches that cost as much as a car then you'll be happy to hear Vacheron Constantin as the next major retailor coming to San Jose. This will be the 3rd Californian location (the other two are Palo Alto and SF). Also on the retail side you have expansions of Burberry, Louis Vuitton, and Marc Jacobs.

The diversity of what is being added to Valley Fair is impressive--it's going far beyond a typical mall. Now if only we could get mass transit and a better linkage to Santana Row.





Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Shop Local Campaign

It's still not too late to do some Christmas Shopping! 🎁

Mayor Sam Liccardo launched a #ShopLocalSJ campaign to encourage people to support San Jose businesses and help keep them afloat in these challenging times. It's a great way to contribute to our local community.

To see a list of Downtown San Jose businesses, head over here. I also have to plug SJMADE, which has a great selection of hyperlocal crafts and foods for purchase here.

Source: SVBJ



Monday, September 28, 2020

Cambrian Park Plaza Proposal

A once popular West San Jose shopping center is slated to be fully redeveloped into a mixed-use urban village. Cambrian Park Plaza is slated to have 58,000 SQFT of retail, a six-story apartment building with 305 units, 25 townhomes, 48 single family homes, a four-story assisted living facility, 229 hotel rooms and generous amounts of park space with include a children's playground, dog park, and community garden.

Weingarten Realty--the developer--was able to cram all of this into 18 acres by placing almost all of the 1,469 parking spaces underground.

The retail spaces are going to be between 1,080 and 5,000 SQFT, which will make it difficult for larger retailers such as BevMo to move back in but will be a convenient size for restaurants and small shops.

Cabrian Park Plaza drawings look pretty darn good so far and remind me a bit of Evergreen Village Square. This is envisioned as a signature project and effectively a downtown area for the Cambrian district. 

There is no ETA yet, but hopefully this moves into demo and construction by the end of 2021.

Source: San Jose Inside, SVBJ







Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Valley Fair Open-Air Market

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Valley Fair has been closed for months, so they have gotten creative and launched an outdoor pop-up to allow some of it's tenants to continue operations. If you find it ironic that people are shopping in tents right in front of Valley Fair's shiny new (and deserted) $1.1 billion expansion, you're not the only one.

The outdoor market is open from 1pm to 7pm from Friday to Sunday in the Outdoor Plaza and North Valet Lot. Below are the list of participating retailers and eateries. The department stores are now fully open as well (masks required of course).

PARTICIPATING RETAILERS

  • Athleta (Thursdays & Fridays only + the weekend of 8/21)
  • California Pizza Kitchen: outdoor dining on their patio, adjacent to Forest Avenue (open 7 days a week)
  • Champs Sports
  • The Waffle Roost Food Truck (@thewaffleroost | Saturday's only from 12 - 3:30)
  • Coach
  • Cotton On
  • Cotton On Kids 
  • David Yuman
  • Din Tai Fung: outdoor dining on their pop-up patio, adjacent to Forest Avenue (open 7 days a week) 
  • Foot Locker 
  • Fresh Society
  • Haagen Dazs (open 7 days a week in the North Valet) 
  • Hugo Boss
  • Johnny Was (only Sat & Sun) 
  • Kay Jewelers 
  • Koja Kitchen Bar
  • Levi's
  • Lovesac
  • MCM
  • Mex Cal Taco Truck
  • Pac Sun
  • Pottery Barn 
  • Quay Australia
  • Rabbit Rabbit Tea 
  • Salt & Straw (open 7 days a week on the plaza)
  • Shoe Palace
  • Talbots 
  • UNTUCKit (open 7 days a week on the plaza)
  • Young Art Lessons 
  • Zales
  • Zumiez

Source: San Jose Inside


Monday, March 16, 2020

Valley Fair's $1.1B expansion is now partially open

I swung by Valley Fair this weekend to check out the new 500,000 SQFT expansion. Thanks to the Coronavirus, it was almost completely empty but just about every new store was still open.

Parking is now a lot easier with a new six-story garage right off of Steven's Creek that goes underneath the expansion and has direct connections to the new Bloomingdales. Speaking of which, it's a true flagship department store with San Jose branding everywhere. Unfortunately I couldn't afford most of the cool things in there, it's more expensive than Nordstrom yet not quite as insane as Neiman Marcus. I did find my favorite clothing store near one of the two entrances of the expansion--Untuckit. This is the first one in San Jose. The expansion also includes Forward (premium doctor's office), Orangetheory Fitness, Bulgari, Cole Haan Grandshop, and a few ex-Santana Row brands such as Anthropologie, Pinkberry, and Urban Outfitters.

The new Santana Row-style outdoor concourse will feature a bunch of high-end restaurants including Maestro's. I have a feeling that they will get another Michelin-recommended restaurant or two this year. Din Thai Fung already has that rating. Salt & Straw is the only place open so far, but the ice cream was exceptional (Bone Marrow and Smoked Cherries... wow). I loved the interactive art on the walls near the entrances too.

They have five new stores focused on retail concepts. One had a bunch of cool Kickstarter projects in it and is similar to B8ta at Santana Row. Definitely worth checking out.

While not part of the expansion, I also finally got to try Ramen Nagi. Even with the Coronavirus, it still took an hour and 15min in line. Totally worth it, it was some of the best ramen I have ever had. It goes by faster than you think since you customize your food while waiting in the line and the food comes quickly once you get inside.

Once the virus boils over, this is hopefully going to drive a lot of extra tax revenue to San Jose. It's hands down the nicest mall in the Bay Area and they are making an effort to be more Santana Rowish with the outdoor space. I truly hate going to traditional malls, but this experience was way better than what I expected. I'll definitely be back to check out the new restaurants as they open.

Source: SVBJ








Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Black Friday at Santana Row

Below is the list of Black Friday offers and specials at Santana Row this year:





An insider scoop on Black Friday festivities on The Row

Santana Row has planned a true ‘shoppers paradise’ for Black Friday this year! First, spend $1,000 or more on Friday, November 29 and receive a pair of tickets to Cirque du Soleil AMALUNA performing at Oracle Park! Secondly, enjoy complimentary gift wrapping, live holiday music and more throughout Black Friday on The Row. *See link for details.

As you shop for the season’s gifts and must-haves, don’t forget to leave a new or gently used coat behind for a neighbor in need. One Warm Coat Charity Drive begins on Black Friday – drop your coats in the barrels located outside the Santana Row Concierge, CineArts Theatre, and Crate and Barrel (throughout December). Plus, enjoy the sound of live music and spectacular holiday décor with larger than life animal installations, mistletoe and more.

Here’s the exclusive list of this year’s Black Friday deals from Santana Row –

Store
Offer
100% Pure

Opening at 9 a.m. with exclusive offers.

Atelier Salon

Open on Black Friday from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. for a holiday sales event! 20% off all items! *Valid for full-priced items only – excludes gift sets, which are already marked 20% off.

Barry’s Bootcamp

Barry’s SHOP & POP – Black Friday only!
Swing by the Santana Row studio for a chance to win some special Barry’s prizes. For every $100 spent on retail, packages, or gift cards, you’ll have the chance to pop a balloon containing retail gifts, free passes, shakes & more!

BellaU Spa & Wellness

Buy 2 get 1 Free (Signature facial, Eminence facial, Swedish massage, Eminence massage). Buy 3 get 1 Free (Hydrafacial, Microchanneling). All products 10% off.

Blue Bottle Coffee

Opening at 7 a.m.

BoConcept

Black Friday Week: 11/25/19 – 12/1/19
Special offer on our Osaka Sofa – for one week only! Black Friday Week only, from $1,099 USD + 15% off our entire collection!

Bonobos

35% off exclusive to Guideshop’s ONLY.

Crate & Barrel

Opening at 8 a.m. with exclusive offers!

DryBar

Get $10 off your Black Friday blowout and a $10 off digital bounce-back for a blowout in January. Plus, 20% off products, tools, and kits.

H&M

Opening at 6 a.m. with door buster discounts.

Lululemon

Opening at 8 a.m. with markdown celebrations.

Makers Market

20% off purchases of $100 or more.

Marine Layer

Extra 20% off Retired Styles, and complimentary gift wrapping for all purchases.

Native Shoes

Up to 60% off select merchandise.

Pressed Juicery

Check out the juiciest deals out there at Pressed Juicery! Get a juice or Freeze+ shot for $8 AND. the first 50 people at each store get 2 Juices + 2 Shots + 2 Snack Grab Bags for $10.

SoulCycle

Don’t miss the 90-minute “Turkey Burn” at SoulCycle, starting at 9:30 a.m. on Black Friday!

Tea Collection

Tea Collection will be offering select styles at $20, $15, and $10 starting Monday, 11/25/19! Black Friday event applies to select styles only. Offer ends on 11/30/19. Limited stock on hand. Restrictions apply.

Ted Baker London

Enjoy 30% off everything in the store, with up to 40% and 50% off select items. *Terms and conditions apply.

TravisMathew

50% off all racks (select merchandise). Buy one get one 50% off!


Thursday, April 11, 2019

Living Spaces opening first San Jose store at Oakridge Mall

The Sears department store location at Westfield Oakridge officially has a successor. Living Spaces, a popular furniture gallery, will be taking 100,000 SQFT from the 140,000 SQFT two-story space. It will be their first store inside of a shopping center in the US--typically they are massive stand-alone stores similar to IKEA. It's not clear what Westfield Oakridge plans to do with the other 40,000 SQFT Sears is leaving behind.

This will be the very first Living Spaces in Santa Clara County. The closest one to San Jose today is in Fremont.

Source: SVBJ


Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Eastridge remodel is complete

Last week Eastridge unveiled their latest refresh. This was my neighborhood mall back in the day and I'm glad to see it's still alive and well unlike some other malls in the area (Vallco, Sunnyvale Town Center, etc.).

The $15 million renovation adds grassy lawns with play areas, a new food court, upgraded finishes, beautiful murals celebrating San Jose, and new programming to make the mall more of a destination. New events include food struck popups, a weekly art experience, and even a dog-friendly social events called "Yappy Hour Forth Fridays."

They also have a few new stores like a 8,400 SQFT Toni & Guy salon, H&M, and an eatery called Trifecta Cooks which landed a free retail space by wining a cooking contest.

For more info and a full event list, head over to the Eastridge FB page.

Source: SJ Economy Blog





Thursday, March 15, 2018

San Jose's Vietnam Town getting major upgrades

Vietnam Town is a 20-acre commercial and retail development near Happy Hollow and Kelly Park. The project has had ups and downs including multiple sales and bankruptcies, but it does feature several great shops, Vietnamese restaurants, and cafes.

The next phase for Vietnam Town is called District One, a 100,000+ SQFT project with dozens of retail condos (store owners will buy part of the building as opposed to leasing) and another parking garage. The new development is inspired by Santana Row and will feature entertainment/programming centered around Asian holidays and celebrations. Instead of just more shopping and restaurants, the focus will be on creating a lively atmosphere.

The Vietnam Town owner is working on final city approvals and hopes to open District One by 2019.

Source: SVBJ


Wednesday, December 13, 2017

San Jose Craft Holiday Fair 2017

There is a great opportunity to shop local this weekend and buy holiday gifts made right here in San Jose. SJMADE is putting on their 2017 Craft Holiday Fair in South Hall this year (435 South Market Street) which is a block away from Christmas in the Park. There will be hundreds of craft makers, food producers, and artists. Also, the event is indoors, free, and family-friendly.

The San Jose Craft Holiday Fair runs from 11am to 6pm on Saturday, December 16th and Sunday December 17th. For more info, head over to the SJMADE website.


Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Harvest Festival 2017 - Nov. 24-26 at the SJ Convention Center

The West Coast's largest indoor arts and crafts show is coming to Downtown San Jose this weekend. The festival features thousands of American-made arts and crafts including original art, jewelry, clothing, toys, and home decor. Many of the gifts can be custom ordered or personalized.

To compliment the shopping, there will be an assortment of food, music, and live entertainment. Several bands will be performing throughout the show including Le Jazz Hot. Holiday-themed entertainers will also wander the halls throughout the three day show.

While parents shop, kids can play at an interactive KidZone. Here they can build their own art projects such as gingerbread cookie decorating.

The Harvest Festival will run from (Black) Friday, November 24 to Sunday, November 26th at the San Jose Convention Center. Hours are 10am-5pm on Friday, 10am-6pm on Saturday, and 10am-5pm on Sunday. Admission is $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and military, $4 for teenagers, and those 12 & under are free. You can print a $2 off coupon on this page (lower right). Admission includes the whole weekend, not just a specific day.

For more information or to buy tickets, head over to the Harvest Festival website over here.





Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Sourisseau News: Let’s Shop!

If you want to learn more about the history of shopping in San Jose, look no further than the latest two-minute Sourisseau News video below. It begins with HART's department store in Downtown San Jose and then provides a glimpse into the history of what we now know as Valley Fair mall. Can you guess which department store is in the photo below? (Hint: I had never heard of it before watching the video).

To see an archive of past videos, head over here.

Sourisseau News June 2017 Let's Shop! from WMS media Inc. on Vimeo.