The H&M coming to the former Pottery Barn space in the Chevy Chase Pavilion is finally close to opening.

Here’s how it looked in Feb. 2012:

The Bloomingdale blog highlights this brutal yelp review from Sept. 2011:

Walking in here will make you feel like you’ve crossed into another dimension, one in which both time and logic ceases and thousands of years of human advancement towards what is considered civilized behavior is suddenly negated for no apparent reason whatsoever.

You’re greeted by a cop as you walk in and that sets the tone for the type of ride that you’ve unknowingly been in line for since you egressed from your mother’s womb: the world is unstable and this place reeks of crack smoke and decades of failed domestic policies.

All CVS’s are, by default, limited to one star. The lines take forever, everything is overpriced, the CVS card and brand of products are terrible, and the goods and provisions offered are always peculiar.

This store, however, is a social sciences experiment and is brilliant as such. I avoid this place with all of my heart, yet my mind is sadistically drawn here to catch a chaotic glimpse of how close humanity toes a line protecting us from madness.

Is it really that bad?

Well, the coolest dry cleaners in Columbia Heights, and possibly the whole district, has closed at 1376 Park Rd, NW. I always thought the automated pickup was ingenious.

Back in Feb. 2013 confirmed some scuttlebutt that a Billy Reid clothing store would be moving into the former Pizzeria Uno space at 3211 M Street, NW. They open Friday. From the Georgetown BID:

This Friday, May 10th, Billy Reid is opening a new store in Georgetown at 3211 M Street, NW. The multi-level store will include curated areas focused on unique elements within the collection such as the Women’s collection, The Made in the USA Heirloom line and even a space for made-to-measure services. Known primarily for his menswear collections, Reid won both the CFDA Award for Best New Designer and the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award in 2010. His style is particularly reflective of his southern roots, with an emphasis on casual sportswear crafted with exceptional tailoring, while reflecting a true “homespun” feel.

From their website:

Grand Opening Coming Soon!

The Boutique on the Hill is focused on providing high-quality garments for people on the go. Our aim is to satisfy the styling needs of today’s professional women.

The Boutique has a variety of dresses, bags and accessories to bring out your beauty. Whether it’s going to work, happy hour after work, or evening on the town we are sure we can dress you in an alluring style. which you will enjoy wearing. Come and visit the “Boutique” and experience the joy of shopping and the expertise of fashion by our staff. Whether you are looking for a nice dress for an occasion, an every day purse or a cute pair of earrings, the “Boutique” is here to assist you.

“Dear PoPville,

I read this weekend that the best ice-cream parlor in DC is having its lease terminated. Max’s is the very definition of a neighborhood store.”

A commenter in this morning’s rant/revel shared a facebook page – Save Max’s Best Ice Cream:

Save Max’s Best! Max has just been notified that he is losing his lease on June 30. This will mean that after 20 years he will be forced to leave Glover Park. Please like this page to show your support of Max and his contribution to our neighborhood.

From a Rocklands BBQ Press Release:

Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company today announced it will be expanding its restaurant in Glover Park, where the company’s flagship restaurant will extend its business into 2416 Wisconsin Avenue.

Owner John Snedden has long had an interest in increasing the size of Rocklands’ original location. “The single most repeated desire from our fans over the years has been to have more space to sit and eat,” said Snedden.

“For 20 years, at least twice per year, I have written a letter to the landlord saying that if space became available we would love to be able to expand. When we were contacted by the landlord to ask if we were still interested, I said yes: Since we opened more than 22 years ago, we’ve been barbequing for our customers in a space about the size of a one-bedroom apartment. We are sorry to see Max’s Best Ice Cream go; we’ve always enjoyed having Max’s Best as a neighbor. We are thrilled, however, to be able to offer our guests more space so they can sit with family and friends to eat their barbeque.”

2418 Wisconsin Ave, NW

Dear PoPville,

The company building some of the new developments at the Monroe Street Market posted a teaser on their Facebook page for what retail businesses are coming to their project. I think they’ve included clues in the teaser, but I’m not smart enough to figure them out. Like the bank with a “stagecoach” is obviously Wells-Fargo. Any idea on the others?

1- Our Brookland Works buildings MAY have a “white table cloth” type restaurant. It would be great if this place offered a wide range of cold beverage options, wouldn’t it???? One can only hope I guess!

2- Brookland Works MAY also include a bike shop with a coffee component to it. What a cool concept right on the Metropolitan Branch Bike Path!

3- Need some financial services? Maybe a Bank? Maybe a horse and stagecoach I mean car loan?

4- Several casual dining establishments, perfect for lunch on the go or a sit down meal? Let your mind run on that one! No really, let it run…

5- A large scale bookstore…When I say large, I don’t mean small.

6- Twenty Seven Art Studios…Artist Applicants, keep your fingers crossed!!! We are still selecting and you’ve made it very difficult for us! You are all so wonderful, but we only have 27 spaces
(big THANK YOU to CulturalDC for your help on this!)

7- And the big question we all keep hearing from everyone! “ARE WE GETTING A GROCERY STORE?!?!?!?!”…”WELL ARE WE??????”

Thanks to a reader for sending this one in from Adams Morgan. He notes the interesting sign:

Thanks to a reader for sending:

“As of 8:30, the line is wrapping completely around 18th street to K street, and then even wrapping a bit back around to 19th.”

Another reader sends more photos of the scene at 9am:

“The line stretched the entire block of 18th from K to L, and around the corner on K. I don’t understand. I’d thought that I liked Nordstrom Rack as much as the next person, but I guess not.”

We first heard a Nordstrom Rack would be moving into the former Border’s bookstore space at 18th and L St, NW back in June 2012. Tomorrow’s the big grand opening – hours will be:

Mon-Fri 9am-8pm
Sat 10am-6pm
Sun 12pm-5pm