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.”
1800 L Street, NW
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
Thanks to a reader for sending word that a new Office Depot is coming to 1875 Connecticut Ave, NW by the Washington (Hinckley) Hilton.
P & C Fine Art is located in Georgetown at 3108 M St, NW. I’ll miss the paintings of President’s playing poker and hanging out:
Another great longtime spot is closing – Kid’s Closet at 1226 Connecticut Avenue, NW – after 30 years.
1623 Connecticut Ave, NW
Back in Jan. 2012 the Melody Record shop closed at 1623 Connecticut Ave, NW. Last week a Lou Lou clothing store opened up in the space. A Lou Lou accessory store is located just down the block at 1601 Connecticut Ave, NW.
1601 Connecticut Ave, NW
1530 U Street, NW
Ginger Root’s first floor boutique opened up in Sept. 2010.
From an email:
Ginger Root Design announces that their local artisan boutique will be closing. In an effort to focus on their clothing designs and tailoring shop, the lower-level boutique will officially close in the middle of May 2013.
“Erin and I have been doing a lot of really hard thinking the last few months, and we have realized that we can’t do it all. We finally acknowledged that we would have to choose between being retail store owners, or being clothing designers and tailors. As much as we have loved and enjoyed our local artisan boutique and helping cultivate that community in DC, our hearts are telling us that we want to be clothing designers,” said Kristen Swenson, co-owner of Ginger Root Design.
Moving forward, the 2 owners, Kristen and Erin, will be focusing on the other half of their business. Deep down they truly believe that they can make much more of a difference in DC through their locally-sewn designs, and showing the public what modern tailoring can be. Swenson and Derge have not been able to produce a full line of clothing designs in the last year because their focus has been split between the different parts of their business. As sad as the two friends will be to say goodbye to the boutique, they are very excited to have the time to design and get back to their main passion again.
The 1st floor tailoring shop will be open regular business hours after the shop closes, with the possibility of extended hours. Erin and Kristen plan to release their newest, complete collection for Summer 2013. The line, which will continue to be eco-friendly, will be available for purchase in the tailoring shop, in their online store and at various markets and pop-ups throughout the summer.
1737 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
SweetFrog frozen yogurt is coming to the former Miller & Arney antique shop at the corner of Wisconsin and S St, NW. You can see SweetFrog’s flavors here.
Photo by PoPville flickr user laurabl
Last we heard about some new vendors coming to Union Market at 1309 5th Street, NE. Turns out the chocolate shop will be a Co Co Sala – from a press release:
DC’s critically acclaimed restaurant, late night lounge, and chocolate boutique Co Co. Sala (929 F Street NW; Washington, DC; 202-347-4265; www.cocosala.com), officially announced today that it will be opening a chocolate shop at Union Market in DC.
The shop is tentatively scheduled to open this Spring just in time for Mother’s Day. Nisha Sidhu, co-owner of Co Co. Sala, discussed why this opening time is extra sweet to her. “I have very fond childhood memories of visiting the market with my mother. Through her own love for fresh, unique dishes and as the perfect entertaining hostess, she taught me how important food is in bringing family and friends together. I strive to teach my own children the same. Opening at Union Market around this beautiful time of year when we pay tribute to the most important women in our lives, would be a blessing.”
The decision for Co Co. Sala to open in Union Market was not a difficult one. Santosh Tiptur, Executive & Pastry Chef of Co Co. Sala, explains: “Since its opening in 2008, Co Co. Sala has received overwhelming support from the Community. Bringing the community together and giving them a place to connect has always been an important goal to us. Union Market provides a great place for people to connect to fresh food, local artisans and the community. We are extremely excited to be opening at Union Market – a venue which has quickly blossomed into a foodie haven for all in DC.”
Co Co. Sala will feature artisanal chocolates beautifully presented in award-winning packaging along with other chocolate indulgences such as the popular chocolate enrobed bacon and hot co co. pops. Its unique collection of artisanal chocolates includes intriguing flavors such as Banana Ginger, Rosemary Caramel, Chipotle, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Mango Lassi, and many more. Seasonal chocolate gift items will be offered as well as enchanting “chocolate art”. All chocolates are made in DC using the finest and freshest ingredients such as Valrhona couverture without any preservatives or additives.
This retail rental is located at 1427 H Street, NE:
The listing says:
“1st FLOOR ONLY is $6,000 / Mo. The 2nd FLOOR is $3,500/ Mo. Whole building is $8,500/ Mo. NNN lease. Restaurant/ Bar/ Retail on H St. + Maryland Ave Corridor. Property is build-to-suit w/Brick walls. 4 doors: 2 on outside Patio ( Maryland Ave) & 2 on H st. Lease of 5 years available.”
For the curious…
When we talk about vacant retail spaces the topic of chain stores/restaurants is often a concern. Personally I think it would be horrible for retail strips to have nothing but chain stores. Having said that, I have no problem if one of the spaces were used for a chain. And whenever I walk past a Chipotle, in any neighborhood, it is always packed. So clearly some folks do like a chain store. So for today’s FQotD – if you were to have ONE chain represented in your neighborhood – which chain would you most like to have? Chipotle? Something else?