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1515 U Street, NW

RCKNDY Home/Office furnishing store closed at 1515 U St, NW back in March 2011. I’ve been super curious to see who would take over the space ever since. It’s going to become Primp Beauty Bar and Salon. I spoke with the owner (who was super nice) who said the store will open in two phases. In December Primp Beauty Bar will open focusing on retail and they will stock any hair/beauty products you’d like if you don’t see it on the shelves. The second phase will come in February when they add the salon part. Stay tuned for an exact opening date when it’s known.


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Yesterday we checked out The apartments at CityCenter and learned that a Tumi store was the first confirmed retailer. In the comments some interesting news came out – specifically a UNIQLO is coming according to this job listing:

“UNIQLO Manager Candidate Program – Retail Sales – new

Company: UNIQLO
Location: Washington, DC

Date Posted: October 21, 2013

UNIQLO is seeking Experienced Store Manager Candidates! At UNIQLO we are seeking individuals who are committed to becoming business leaders in the retail industry. Our ambition is to open 10 – 20 stores annually in the United States and become the #1 Specialty Apparel Retailer. With over 1,200 stores globally, together we believe we can change the world!”

Yes!!!

But in less exciting scuttlebutt is word that the Apple deal may have fallen through. A commenter hears a Gucci store could be taking that space. I haven’t heard that but another source also tells me that he hears Apple has walked. Hopefully they can resurrect that deal because I think an Apple store would do very well there. More info when/if it becomes available.


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1226 Connecticut Ave, NW

Yesterday I noticed that an Aveda Salon would be replacing the former Kid’s Closet at 1226 Connecticut Ave, NW. Later I received the following email:

“Dear PoPville,

A recent WaPo article attests to what we see every day: a baby boom in the city. What I haven’t seen is an accompanying boom in stores serving these parents – baby boutiques, clothing stores, etc. I’m (very) happy that I have low cost options like Target and Children’s Place around the corner in Columbia Heights, but when I google “baby gifts” for DC, I get very, very little. I wanted to buy a nice gift for a friend recently, and there were literally no options nearby in 14th/U/AdMo/CoHi/Petworth. I smell a business opportunity…do you think so?”

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5035 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Back in June we learned the Marvelous Market at 5035 Connecticut Ave, NW was going to become Little Red Fox. Update from the owner:

“Last week the board for ANC 3F unanimously approved both of Little Red Fox’s beer and wine licenses. The Class B full-service grocery store exemption is for off-site sale of wine, beer, and growlers. The Class D license will allow Little Red Fox to serve draft beer and wine by the glass on-site at their 9-foot long community table inside and outside at the sidewalk cafe, which will seat up to 16 people.

For beer we’ll be working solely with local breweries from Maryland, Virginia, and DC. We’re also going to make a concerted effort to tap kegs that are only available via draft, so folks that don’t frequent bars can get a chance to taste the area’s best suds. We’re also working hard on building a tasty and affordable domestic-focused wine list.

We’re also very excited to announce we’ve hired former Tosca pastry chef Lauren Parlato as our baker. Lauren was at Tosca for nearly 7 years and made some of the best gelato in the city. She’s currently hard at work crafting recipes for our house hot chocolate, breakfast pastries, pies, and cookie & gelato sandwiches.

I have my fingers crossed for a Halloween opening date.”

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From Five Below’s website:

“Five Below, Inc. is the leading retailer of trend-right, extreme-value merchandise to the teen and pre-teen market – all for $1.00 to $5.00.

Five Below’s dynamic assortment of merchandise includes everything from sporting goods, games, fashion accessories and jewelry, to hobbies and collectibles, bath and body, candy and snacks, room décor and storage, stationery and school supplies, video game accessories, books, dvds, iPhone accessories, novelty and “gag,” and seasonal items. Five Below combines exceptional value with trend-right, quality merchandise in a vibrant shopping environment.”

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1400 Irving Street, NW


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2006 18th Street, NW

Construction has now started on ‘Sugar Daddy’s Bakery’ coming to the former Bobby Lew’s Saloon space at 2006 18th Street, NW. According to a permit posted out front they will have 13 seats. I spoke to a worker who said buildout should take a couple months. Updates when they get closer to opening.

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Sad news for those who like to kick it old school in their travels. The Amex store at 15th and K St, NW is closing Nov. 1st. It’s a big space so it’ll be interesting to see who ends up taking it over. Stay tuned.

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2015 14th Street, NW

Crossroads has opened today in the former Mila discount store on 14th just north of U Street. Store hours are 11-7 everyday.

From a press release:

“Buy-sell-trade-consign fashion retailer, Crossroads Trading Company, is set to open its 32nd store this Friday at 2015 14th St. NW, just north of U Street. This will be its first store in the Washington DC area.

The Berkeley-based retailer already has 31 stores along the West Coast, Chicago and New York. The stores offer shoppers the ability to sell their gently used clothing for on-the-spot cash or trade credit at any of its locations. Shoppers then have the option to purchase designer clothing at a fraction of its original retail price. The company also offers an eco-friendly twist: these shoppers receive the added benefit of knowing that they’ve just kept that clothing out of landfill.

The stores carry popular name brands like J Crew, Kate Spade and All Saints, giving shoppers the opportunity to keep their fashions on trend while keeping the environment’s best interest in mind.”

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Photo courtesy of Crossroads


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1744 Columbia Road, NW

Back in March we noted the former Yoga Chai space was for lease in Adams Morgan. They’ve now got a new tenant – Le Bustiere. Their website says:

“Le Bustiere is a fresh European inspired lingerie boutique offering diverse brands, styles and sizes that are currently unavailable in Washington DC.

Our mission is to give the intimate apparel enthusiasts what they are looking for, whether it is fit, comfort or style, in an atmosphere that is luxurious and exciting. I want to create a connection with the Intimate Apparel Enthusiast that evokes the feeling that Le Bustiere is “my lingerie store.”

We offer a variety of services which include free bra fitting, bridal & lingerie parties.”

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