Entrepreneurs Spur Growth at Bay Area Center
Countering the recent spate of downsizing occurring at shopping centers, Blackhawk Plaza in the East Bay Area suburb of Danville, Calif., is adding stores following a $30 million renovation.
New are See Jane Run, Geoffrey Scott, Dabble Cosmetics and Cartelligent car-buying service. A Dollhouse Lingerie boutique will open this summer.
See Jane Run is an upscale women’s activewear and athletic-footwear retailer. Contemporary retailer Geoffrey Scott offers designer fashion and jewelry from brands such as Yoana Baraschi, People’s Liberation, Nicole Miller, William Rast, Rachel Eva and Lipstick Bandits. Dabble Cosmetics is a new concept launched by the owners of Salon Forty Sixty Two in Danville.
The additions support existing stores such as Anthropologie and apparel boutiques Patrick James, Patrizia Marrone and White House/Black Market.
Fred Bruning, president of the shopping center owner, CenterCal Properties LLC, said the additions add to the eclectic tenant mix at Blackhawk and support the growth of regional brands. Retailers such as Geoffrey Scott and See Jane Run were concepts launched in the Bay Area and remain regional chains.
“I felt the long term potential of Blackhawk Plaza was huge, and the market was completely untapped,” said Geoffrey Cooper, owner of Geoffrey Scott.
“I am a resident of Danville and feel that starting at the core and working outwards is the best way to build a business. I know the people and the market, and when you are building a brand from scratch, living and being active in the community is a necessity,” he said.
Rick and Simran Brah will open Dollhouse Lingerie this summer, featuring brands including Cosabella, Valery, Nina Ricci and others. —Robert McAllister
