It may not be the result of April showers, but a flurry of businesses have budded around Oakland this spring. As ever, we stay in the know with help from our team of dedicated tipsters.

In this edition, we look at a new furniture shop in Old Oakland, a fitness center for new and expecting mothers, and cover recent developments on the gently-used apparel beat.

Recently Opened

Urban Eclectics (735 Washington St.)

Tipster Al M. tells us that Urban Eclectics is finally open on Washington Street. The new venture, headed by owner Kimberly Jones, specializes in modern and vintage furniture, as well as "one-of-a-kind, handcrafted artwork" for the household. It's also offering custom-built pieces made by a local furniture designer.

Dress Best for Less (3411 Lakeshore Ave.)

Dress Best for Less (DBFL) celebrated the grand opening of its new store on April 1. The nonprofit upscale resale boutique moved after the lease for its Piedmont Avenue outpost was not renewed in early March; it's now inside the former location of Posh, a women's clothing store.

Since 1982, DBFL has donated the majority of its proceeds to the Piedmont Education Foundation. The East Bay Times reports that the new store will offer many of the same items sold at the previous location and features an expanded children's section. Meanwhile, DBFL's marking room and donations center will remain at 799 Magnolia Ave.

Lotus Method (4427 Piedmont Ave.)

Piedmont Avenue is now home to The Lotus Method, a pre/postnatal fitness center that launched its fourth (and first Oakland) location on March 20. To help women prepare for motherhood, the Lotus Method utilizes strength training and functional movement that focuses on posture, breath and alignment.

In celebration of its opening, the fitness center is offering a complimentary group session with the purchase of a one-on-one training session.

Recently Shuttered

Rockridge Rags (5711 College Ave.)

Yelpers report that Rockridge Rags, a women's consignment boutique, has shuttered. In business since 1981, the store offered a changing assortment of gently-used apparel and accessories. 

In comparison to Crossroads, which caters to a "younger, trendier" crowd, Yelper Susan C. said Rockridge Rags focused on an older, "slightly higher end" demographic.

Thank you, Al M.! See something interesting while you’re out and about? Text Hoodline and we’ll see what we can find: (510) 757-9959.