Shop Talk: Paraiso Plant Studio; Title Nine; Jest Jewels; Sola Lucy
A plants and design store has opened in Trumpetvine Court downtown; Jest Jewels and Sola Lucy are closing up shop; and Title IX is on the move.
Mary Corbin
Mary Corbin is a writer and artist who has lived in Berkeley for over 30 years. Mary moved to the Bay Area from St. Louis to attend California College of the Arts in Oakland where she completed her BFA in painting and printmaking. A natural storyteller, she is currently working on a collection of short stories. As a writer for Berkeleyside and lead writer for YourBerkeley.com, Mary loves finding something new to write about just around the next corner while out on a walk, biking in the hills, or chatting with locals about food or fun events around town. Visit her cycling blog, MommaWheelie, for essays on biking for recreation and utility and view her work as an artist at marycorbinart.blogspot.com.
Articles by Mary Corbin
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Shop Talk: Scarlet Salon; Reuse Arts & Crafts; Lacquerbar
Four hair stylists who worked together at Festoon have come together to open a new salon; there is a new store to buy art and crafts made from recycled materials.
Shop Talk: Fantastic Comics; Sundhari Holistic Spa; Rabana; Yves Jewelry and Judaica
More shops are closing or moving because of lagging sales than are opening this month.
Shop Talk: Molly B to close original store; Papyrus and Urban Outfitters shutter
Declining sales contributed to the decision to shutter Molly B in North Shattuck, but not before a close-out sale. Urban Outfitters faced the same issue, while Papyrus has shut its 254 shops nationwide.
Shop Talk: Outdoor Supply Hardware opens; The Sink Factory to move; Berkeley Sports closes
Neighbors in West Berkeley are celebrating a new hardware store; a sporting goods store that served the community for over 50 years has closed; and a spot specializing in antique plumbing parts is relocating.
Shop Talk: After nearly 60 years, Bill’s Men’s Shop on Telegraph Avenue is closing
Also: Gift store Pot-Pourri will open in North Berkeley in mid-January; and Radbird Fashion will move temporarily so its space can be retrofitted.
Shop Talk: Party Heaven; School of Rock
A party supplies store that has operated in Berkeley for 41 years across several locations is closing, but not before a blow-out sale; meanwhile there’s a new rock-n’-roll school in town.
Shop Talk: Bill’s Trading Post; See’s Candies; Workstation West Berkeley
This week: A decades old College Avenue store that took over from a gun shop is consolidating; candies pop up for the holidays; and a co-working/events space has opened in West Berkeley.
Shop Talk: The Grubb Company and Thornwall Properties merge; new boutique Riveter
The East Bay real estate market is getting a shake-up with the second merger of two independent brokerages this year, while a little boutique has opened in a shipping container in Westbrae.
Shop Talk: Ohmega Salvage; Totally Rad Gallery; Women Made
Changing demographics and difficulties in finding architectural salvage has cut into Ohmega Salvage’s business.
Shop Talk: Staples; GarmentWorks; CNRG; Passion Spark Retreat Workshops; Berkeley Vacuum; Dimples
The downtown Staples is closing; Berkeley Vacuum has a new home; new arrivals include a fashion school, a kids’ clothing store, a replacement for OSH and a career mentoring retreat workshops company.
Shop Talk: Comcast; Darling Electric Salon; Mr. Mopps’; Berkeley Bubbles
Comcast exits downtown; the owners of a downtown laundromat cite rent hikes and chronic problems with homeless individuals as reasons for closing down; new spot for Mr. Mopps’ bookstore; a new hair salon in SW Berkeley.
Shop Talk: Ruby Livingdesign; Chateau Mae; Berkeley Hearing Center; Cal Flowers
New shop brings Korean and Japanese skincare and make-up to downtown Berkeley; plus beloved flower shop moves to Cal, and more.
Shop Talk: Red Oak Realty/Marvin Gardens Real Estate; Vintage European Posters; Koraa
Two East Bay real estate firms become one; plus colorful crafts on College and Vintage European Posters says adieu.
Shop Talk: Nikki Borodi Apparel; SLP; Sunshine Health and Wellness; Neeko
Three new businesses — offering clothing, real estate and health products — have opened, plus good-bye to a San Pablo boutique.
