GREEN SOLES On Fourth Street, the space vacated in January by A La Folie has been snapped up by Convert Shoes. The owners say they opened the store “to give our customers more of what they clearly want — sustainably made shoes that are simply great looking.” Brands include Timberland, Doc Marten, Keds, Seychelles, New Balance, Redwing, TOMS, Palladium, and Native. They also offer collaborations with Jeffrey Campbell (vegan) and J Shoes. Convert is at 1809B Fourth Street, tel: 510-649 9759.
While we’re on Fourth, it’s worth knowing that the street is holding a Spring Sidewalk Sale on Saturday April 14, 12-5pm, where merchants will be offering 40-60% off prices. Live music, 12-4pm. More details on the Fourth Street website.
FOOD OUT DRUGS IN Despite the best lobbying efforts of Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates, who asked the owners of the old Andronico’s space on Telegraph Avenue to rent it to another grocery chain rather than a pharmacy, CVS is moving in, according to the Daily Cal. The Andronico’s closed in November shortly after the University Avenue store was also shuttered in the wake of the parent company declaring bankruptcy. The new CVS will be up and running by early 2013 if all goes to according to schedule.
NEON ON Afikomen Judaica, at 3042 Claremont Avenue, is justifiably proud of its new neon sign, so we bring you a photo. The store, which sells life-cycle gifts, jewelry, books and music, is now that much more visible to passers-by, especially at night, thanks to the sign, which was handmade by John Law of Central Sign Services of Oakland.
SOUND ADVICE Good to hear that Berkeley-based DeYoe Wealth Management has been designated Premier Advisor 2012 by the National Association of Board Certified Advisory Practices (NABCAP). The financial planning company was evaluated in 20 categories, including customer service, risk/investment planning philosophy, credentials, team dynamics and fee/cost structure, and came up trumps.
COMING SOON We were tipped off by Berkeleysider Andrea Desai that a boxing gym is going up on San Pablo Avenue between Allston Way and Addison Street… Meanwhile, a new jewelry store — Zavor & Mor Jewelry Gallery — is going in at 2111 Vine Street (between Bryn Walker and Vintage Wines) in north Berkeley… And Treats Bake Shop will open on Telegraph next to Subway right off of Bancroft Way…. Look for more details in future Shop Talk columns.
HOME GHETTO Also on San Pablo, a new infill retail building owned by John Gordon is being built at number 2117. The 3,200 sq ft space will include a mezzanine and a glass façade on the street side. The hope is that a home improvement/furnishing type of tenant will move in, according to the building’s architect, Charles Kahn of Berkeley-based Kahn Design Associates. If that comes to pass, it will only add to the area’s vibrant home-centric focus with neighboring businesses such as Metro Lighting, Baldwin Brass Center, and Ohmega Salvage.
Shop Talk is our regular column in which we post updates on Berkeley businesses — openings, closings, new directions, relaunches, relocations. If you’re a Berkeley business with news, or a Berkeleysider who has spotted a change in your neighborhood or on your travels, shoot us an email with the details. Read previous Shop Talk columns here.
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