Retail

11th Street Landmark Arthur’s Corner Store Closed in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth


3301 11th Street, NW at Lamont

@gavinholland tweeted us the terrible news over the weekend:

“Nooooooooo!!!! Arthur’s Grocery at 11th & Lamont is closing tomorrow. They’re having one last party. @PoPville”

“he said that they’ve been there 40-50 years, but they’ve never owned the building. Landlord raised the rent beyond their capacity”

11th Street DC has written:

“Arthur’s Grocery is not just a convenience store, but a part of 11th Street’s community charm. This corner store sees many regulars and after school crowds for late afternoon snacks and has been owned and run by the same welcoming family for four decades.”

Indeed Arthur’s was an institution. From community BBQs to fundraisers for local boxers to just incredibly nice people. That’s the thing that will be hard for some to understand – it’s not about the store at all – it’s about the people who ran it and worked there. Every time I went in to buy a soda or a powerball ticket I always left with a smile. And they were nice to everyone. Young, old, white, black, it didn’t matter. That is what made them so special. They were welcoming to all. Maybe inevitable, like the loss of Columbia Heights Coffee up the block, but a dagger nonetheless.

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Fillmore & 5th Designer Consignment Store Opened Today in Dupont

By Prince Of Petworth

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1630 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Update from a press release:

“San Francisco Bay Area based clothing retailer Fillmore & 5th has announced the location of its sixth boutique, opening today in Washington DC’s historic Dupont Circle at 1630 Connecticut Avenue, NW.

The store will be open every day from 11am to 7pm. Consignors have the option to make an appointment to bring in items during buying hours or leave pieces at the store for valuation and a follow-up quote via email. Interested consignors may call (202) 627-2711to set up an appointment.”

This is in the 1600 block of Connecticut Ave, NW in the former frozen yogurt spot.

Fillmore & 5th’s website says:

“FILLMORE & 5TH is a designer consignment boutique specializing in highly coveted clothing and accessories for women and men at a fraction of the original retail price. Customers can expect to find timeless Louis Vuitton and Chanel pieces alongside favorite basics from J. Crew and Tory Burch on the carefully curated racks. Consign the designer clothes, bags and shoes that no longer speak to your unique style, making room in your closet for something new. Whether consigning or shopping, you’ll receive impeccable service from our highly knowledgeable staff, trained to price your items for the best return and quickest sale.”

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Homebody Design Store will Stay open until Summer before Roses Luxury Folks Take Over

By Prince Of Petworth

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715 8th Street, SE

In early February we learned that next door neighbors, Roses Luxury, would be opening a new restaurant in the Homebody space on Barracks Row. I stopped in to ask when they were closing and was told they’ll be open until summer. Also they’re looking for new space. Updates when a final date is known and a new space is found. If you’re not familiar with the shop you can see Homebody’s website here. Last we spoke there was a lot of love/hate for them. Mark me in the love column:

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Even More CityCenter News – Centrolina, Louis Vuitton and Caudalie

By Prince Of Petworth

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It’s hard to keep up – fortunately you guys are good! Today a reader reports:

“Centrolina has posted Job hiring info

[“Centrolina, the first solo project from Chef Amy Brandwein, will be an Italian market and restaurant set in Washington’s new CityCenterDC development. The market will offer a selection of imported Italian specialty items along with meat, fish, and produce from local farms, a selection of house-made items including handmade pasta and sauces, and a barista-serviced coffee program. The restaurant will showcase a seasonal, frequently-rotating menu of regional Italian dishes for lunch and dinner daily.”]

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Louis Vuitton has postage signage with a Spring 2015 Open Date

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Caudalie [French skincare company] is rumored to open today, they had their awning and signage put up.”

Next Up in CityCenter Retail and an Eviction

By Prince Of Petworth

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A reader reports:

“1. Alexis Bittar [jewelery store] opened up next to Kate Spade.

2. Someone was evicted from City Center, the sad/interesting part was they moved out their own belongings, they weren’t dumped on the sidewalk, they packed up some items and left most of them in a pile for people to scavenge from. People were scavenging all afternoon yesterday.”

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Next Up in CityCenter Retail – Vince coming next door to Momofuku

By Prince Of Petworth

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11th and Palmer Alley NW

Vince’s website says:

“In 2002, Vince was founded with a fundamental premise: create a collection of iconic essentials women and men would want to wear every day with a focus on distinctive design, enduring style and uncompromising quality.

Our story began in L.A. with a highly edited collection of women’s knits and cashmere sweaters sold exclusively in department stores. Today, we are a global brand. Our offering has expanded through Vince retail stores in North America and abroad, and at vince.com. We now feature a full expression of the Vince lifestyle, from women’s, men’s and kids’ ready-to-wear to denim, footwear and select accessories.

Vince continues to be synonymous with a modern, timeless aesthetic and effortless sophistication. As a leader in the industry, we are committed to being the ultimate brand for everyday luxury essentials.”

Thanks to all who sent emails about the coming soon signage. One reader notes they are also hiring.

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Next door to the coming Momofuku space:

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Urban Outfitters Temporarily Closed in Georgetown for Renovations

By Prince Of Petworth

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3111 M Street, NW via urbanoutfitters.com

Thanks to a reader for sending word:

“Passed by Georgetown store and windows covered over. Website listed hours each day as CLOSED.”

A call to the store only has an audio recording saying that the store is “temporarily closed” with no reason given. Updates when more info is known.

Update: As commenters have noted the store is closed due to some damage from the recent Steve Madden fire. I’m told they are taking this opportunity to renovate the store.

From Urban Outfitters’ website:

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Capitol Hill Gem, Riverby Books, Remains Closed after Owner Hit by Truck and Killed last Nov.

By Prince Of Petworth

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417 E Capitol Street, SE

So sad. The Washington Post reported:

“Mr. Cymrot died Nov. 29 at a Washington hospital of injuries suffered in a Nov. 19 traffic accident, according to his wife. He was walking near the intersection of 4th and East Capitol Streets when he was hit by a truck. Details of the accident are under investigation by D.C. police. Mr. Cymrot was 72.”

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