Retail

Walmart Only Opening 1 out 6 Planned Stores in DC in 2013

By Prince Of Petworth

Washington Post reports:

The first Wal-Mart to open in D.C. will likely be at the corner at Georgia and Missouri avenues in Northwest, where the retailer and developer Foulger-Pratt demolished a former Chevrolet dealership and plan to build a stand-alone store that should open by the end of 2013. They expect to break ground this spring.

No other Wal-Mart site has been issued building permits, according to the company. Developer JBG Rosenfeld has applied for building permits to begin a mixed-use apartment-retail complex at 801 New Jersey Ave. NW, where a ground floor Wal-Mart could open in early 2014.

We recently judged the Georgia Ave rendering here.

It looked like progress was being made at the New Jersey Ave, NW location… Do you guys think that hole in the ground is for a different project?


Planned Georgia Ave location in Brightwood. Demolished Curtis Chevrolet

Utopia Closing For 14 Months on U Street; Stem, DC Noodles to Close for at least a Year

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

We stopped by on Friday and it was closed. A former waiter said they had a big party on Thursday before it closed for a long time. Why aren’t the other restaurants closed as well?”


1418 U Street NW

I also passed Utopia at 1418 U St, NW on Sunday. I spoke with the folks at Stem two storefronts down. They said that both Stem and DC Noodles would also be closing soon (he didn’t have an exact date of when) for at least a year while construction of the nearby Louis at 14th development takes place. I’m guessing Coppi’s will also temporarily close at some point. In the meantime Stem is having a clearance sale on all of their inventory.

J.Crew and The Art of SpYn Coming to Penn Quarter

By Prince Of Petworth


950 F Street, NW courtesy of BRAVERY CORPORATION

From a press release:

Douglas Development is excited to announce the additions of upscale retailer J.Crew and premier yoga and spinning studio, The Art of SpYn, to the company’s property at 950 F Street, NW. J.Crew is slated to open in August and The Art of SpYn is scheduled to open this spring.

J.Crew will occupy 3,044 square feet on the ground floor and 5,581 square feet on the lower level for a total of 8,625 square feet in the Atlantic Building, which borders the historic Ford’s Theatre. The Art of SpYn, the city’s first combined indoor cycling and yoga studio, will also occupy two levels of space for a total of 5,272 square feet and will feature two studios and a lifestyle retail boutique. These new tenants will join high-end retailer Anthropologie in the building.

Great additions to Penn Quarter. We previously spoke about The Art of SpYn here.

uBreakiFix Electronics Repair Coming to Cleveland Park

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in Jan. 2011 National Shoe Rebuilders closed underneath Indique at at 3510 Connecticut Ave, NW. I had been really curious to see who would take over the space. Thanks to a reader for sending word of uBreakiFix Electronics Repair coming soon:

“If you need expert help with a broken iPhone, Smartphone or iPad, uBreakiFix is the name to trust in cell phone repair services. With 150 positive customer reviews for our Smartphone and iPhone repair services and accreditation by the BBB (Better Business Bureau), you can rest assured that your electronics will be given the careful service they deserve.”

Ginger Root Design Expanding on U Street

By Prince Of Petworth


1530 U St, NW

Ginger Root Design opened up in Sept. 2010 at 1530 U St, NW. From an email:

“At Ginger Root Design, we are all beyond excited to announce that we are expanding! What exactly does that mean? The current location of Ginger Root will continue into the back so we can carry more artists and eco-friendly goods, and upstairs will be our tailoring and sewing shop. We need to hire more people but don’t have enough space for them, so we are making room :-) For the first bit of change, here is our new logo for the store!”

Reincarnations Furnishings Closing in Logan Circle

By Prince Of Petworth

The following was written by PoP contributor Jessica Bonness. Jessica Bonness runs JGB Interiors and writes at Paint It What I Tell You.

As I’m sure many in PoPville may have already discovered while out and about this weekend, Reincarnations Furnishings at 1401 14th Street, NW (at 14th Street and Rhode Island Avenue) is closing because they have lost their lease. Their unique, often one-of-a-kind pieces, will surely be missed. I frequently brought clients here to choose a piece of art, a quirky accessory, or shop for that one thing that’s missing from their space; we always found something, whether or not it was what we came in for. Reincarnations has always had good turnover of items, and their selections tend to be on a more affordable spectrum; as one of the first home and design stores in the now swanky and quite expensive 14th Street corridor, they held strong to their original concept. They really do have something for everyone.

According to the store there are currently no plans to relocate or reopen, as the future of the store remains to be decided. However, options are aplenty. In their own words, “We’re called Reincarnations – say that!” So I am, and I very much hope they find another place to do what they do so well, and soon!

Right now everything in the store is 20% off. As things get closer to closing, I’m sure the prices will dip further. This weekend there were tons of discounted chairs and rugs in the back room downstairs. You’re sure to find some great deals, and while you’re there, please wish them well for the future!

Ed. Note: Longtime neighbor Playbill Cafe closed in Sept. 2011 at 1409 14th St, NW.

The Daily Rider Bike Shop Opens on H Street, NE Today

By Prince Of Petworth


1108 St, NE

“Dear PoP,

You mentioned some weeks back the Daily Rider bike shop coming to H St. NE. Just now on the bus I saw that they have a “coming soon” display up – I wanted to send you an exciting update!”

There’s even better news – they’re opening today. The Daily Rider, located at 1108 St, NE, announced a March 29th opening. Great addition to H Street!

What’s Shakin’ in the Makin’ Vol. 9 – Buffalo Exchange Clothing Store

By Prince Of Petworth


1318 14th St, NW

Back in Nov. 2011 we learned that the Buffalo Exchange clothing store would be coming to 1318 14th St, NW in Logan Circle between the Logan 14 Spa and the coming soon The Pig restaurant. There had been very little visible progress since then but I’m happy to share a tweet sent by WBJ’s @NeibsWBJ:

“Building permit issued for the Buffalo Exchange store coming to 1318 14th St. NW.”

I imagine we can now expect serious work to begin soon.

For those not familiar with Buffalo Exchange:

“Founded in 1974 in Tucson, AZ by Kirsten and Spencer Block, Buffalo Exchange now has 41 operating stores in 15 states. Local customers can buy, sell, and trade clothing and accessories at their neighborhood stores. Each store’s ever-changing inventory includes designer labels, vintage, jeans, leather, current basics, and one-of-a-kind items, as well as brand-new merchandise and accessories.”

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