Like most markets in the country, cities in central Contra Costa County have had their share of merchants packing up and leaving empty store fronts. But some industry experts say the hard times might be over.

Even in downtown Walnut Creek, considered one of the top retail destinations in the East Bay, retail vacancies climbed in once highly coveted locations.

Still, long-term projects including an expansion of Nordstrom and development of a new Neiman Marcus store, both in Walnut Creek’s Broadway Plaza, are forging ahead while smaller tenants are taking advantage of more affordable rents.

Market casualties have turned into opportunities.

In Concord, Seafood City, a Filipino-themed grocery store, took over a former Circuit City location that closed after the chain went bankrupt.

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