JEREMY’S DEPARTMENT STORE Jeremy’s in the Elmwood is no more. The discounted designer apparel store had been at its 2967 College Ave. (at Ashby) location since the 1990s and closed for good on Nov. 20. According to a farewell letter that was posted on the store’s website, Jeremy’s did not have financial difficulties and was in profit when it shuttered. Owner Jeremy Kidson opened the first Jeremy’s store in 1987 in San Francisco’s South Park. He closed that store last year and made plans to consolidate both the SF and Berkeley stores into a converted church after buying the First Church of Christ Scientist at 1701 Franklin St. in Uptown Oakland. But, according to the East Bay Times, Kidson hit several roadblocks while trying to develop the space for retail, including permit delays, and he ran out of steam on the project. Kidson said: “From here, I will work on establishing a foundation to help kids from underprivileged backgrounds and continue my never-ending pursuit to help the underdog, along with some other ideas I have. I will still be finishing the Franklin building to serve as my home base and maybe even open a little café.” No news yet on new tenants for the vacated space on College and Ashby.
UTRECHT ART SUPPLIES The Utrecht Art Supplies Store at 1909 University Ave. (at MLK) closed in early July, merging with Blick Art Materials at 811 University Avenue (at 6th). Spokeswoman Martha Pratt told Berkeleyside: “In April 2013, Blick Art Materials acquired Utrecht Art Supplies. Utrecht and Blick both had stores on the same street in Berkeley and since the Utrecht store was much smaller, it made sense to close it and just combine everything into one larger store.” In addition, the 811 University location has a free parking lot in front of the store. Todd Mcgill-Rusynyk, community development coordinator for the retailer, said: “Blick Art Materials is available to serve the needs of every artist, from student to hobbyist to professional. Our recent consolidation of the former nearby Utrecht Art Supplies store shouldn’t worry patrons, as our Blick Berkeley location is twice the size and offers an amazing selection of art materials to cater to all of your creative endeavors. Our store also regularly reaches out to its local community to support the arts. For instance, visit us between Nov. 28-Dec. 24 to donate to the ‘Blick Give and Get Program’ where you can earn a special coupon in exchange for a donation to a local art nonprofit during the gift-giving season”. Blick Art Materials, 811 University Ave., Berkeley 94710. Tel: 510-486 2600. Open Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Connect with Blick Art Materials on Facebook.
PATELCO CREDIT UNION In November last year the fire that destroyed Mandarin Garden restaurant on Shattuck Avenue near University caused damage to adjacent businesses, including the Berkeley branch of Patelco Credit Union. Having undergone reconstruction, Patelco, located at 2033 Shattuck Ave., will reopen in mid-December with a grand opening in January. Kevin Hartman, public relations spokesman for Patelco, told Berkeleyside: “The branch has been remodeled after the fire and will have a newer, high-tech look and feel. In addition, the branch will have one or more self-banking kiosks as a new feature for members. Patelco will be sending members an invitation to the opening in December once we have a firm date.” Berkeleyside will also post information on the exact opening date as it becomes available. Update, 12.8.16: Patelco writes us that the official public opening will likely not happen until the end of December, possibly not until mid-January. Also some details: “Patelco is making a shift to its branches starting with Berkeley. The Shattuck Avenue branch will be the first to have a concierge to welcome members and guests… the credit union … wants to provide that personal touch that’s absent from many banks today.” Visit Patelco’s website or connect with the credit union on Twitter for updates.
HANNAH’S After more than two decades, the North Berkeley children’s store Hannah’s has closed it’s doors. Previously located at 1871 Solano Ave. (at Fresno), the store sold gently used clothing and other goods for children, as well as maternity wear. In a February 2015 Shop Talk column, we reported that the store had changed ownership for the second time, the original founder being JoHanna Hernandez. Hannah’s Children’s Resale Store will open soon as an online-only retailer called Hopscotch Kids. Visit the Hopscotch Kids website for more information or connect with them on Facebook.
Shop Talk is our regular column in which we post updates on Berkeley businesses. 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 at editors@berkeleyside.com. Read previous Shop Talk columns, andcheck out Bites for the latest East Bay restaurant news.
