Retail

Another New Clothing Store, Black-Eyed Susie’s, Coming to 14th St, NW in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

Wow, the retail scene on the 3400 block of 14th St, NW is off to a great start this year. On Monday we learned that It’s Vintage Darling had just opened up at 3423 14th Street NW and on Thursday Black-Eyed Susie’s will be opening up at 3443 14th St, NW (by Meridian Pl) in the former Cindy’s Bridal space.  I was able to take a sneak peek and chat with owner Susie Saadian.

Susie is a Columbia Heights resident and some may recognize her (photo below) as a spinning teacher at the nearby Washington Sports Club.  After looking at some spaces in Mt. Pleasant a student mentioned that Cindy’s Bridal space had become vacant and the fit was perfect.  While the space is small at around 700 square feet, Susie has packed it with clothing and accessories (25% men’s).

According to her Web site:

“Black-Eyed Susie’s is DC’s newest new, used, and artisan clothing and accessory retailer.

Located in the Columbia Heights neighborhood, Black-Eyed Susie’s provides the community with affordable, gently used clothing and accessories for men and women. Black-Eyed Susie’s will provide an opportunity for individuals to buy and sell wearable, in-fashion and current with the trend clothing and accessories.”

Another neat feature is that the shop can also sell your clothes:

“We are most interested in women and men’s clothing and accessories that can be described as contemporary or business casual. Accessories that Black-Eyed Susie’s accepts are shoes, purses and bags, hats, belts, jewelry, scarves, gloves.

You receive 40% of the retail price.”

The average price in the shop is $15-$30 but I even saw one t-shirt going for $4. They’ll be having a grand opening on Thurs. from 11am – 9pm and there’ll even be some drinks to celebrate.

I’ll say it again, things are def. looking up for the 3400 Block of 14th St, NW in Columbia Heights.

Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)

Dear PoP – New Vintage Shop, It’s Vintage Darling, Opens Up in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Just wanted to shoot you an e-mail to see if you saw or knew anything about what appears to be new vintage shop opening up on 14th Street in Columbia Heights. It’s called “It’s Vintage Darling” and in the same building as Quiet Mind Yoga. A sign went up this weekend, but the windows are shuttered and there’s no sign announcing when it’s opening or anything like that. Hope it’s soon… would be a great addition to the neighborhood!”

I stopped by on Saturday and am happy to say that they are open are the space looks great!

It’s Vintage Darling is located at 3423 14th Street NW (by Newton) and run by partners Amira Hikim and Kindall Hudgins. Some folks may recognize Hikim and Hudgins (photo after the jump) as they run a popular vintage stand at Eastern Market. They had their grand opening on 1/1/11. They offer men’s, women’s, accessories, jewerly and inventory changes every day. Prices range from $20-$500 but the average price is $35. You can reach them by phone at 202-525-1327.

Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)

Coffee and the Works Closing in Dupont after 31 Years

By Prince Of Petworth

Long time Dupont resident, Coffee and the Works, will be closing up shop after 31 years at 1627 Connecticut Ave, NW. They will remain open until Jan. 31st. Their Web site saya:

Unique shop offering a wide variety of gourmet coffee, tea, chocolate, Stonewall specialty salad dressings, sauces, candies and bake mixes. As well as hand-crafted wood, metal, horn, shell, ceramic, glass and crystal home decor by reknowned artists. We also carry an extensive line of tabletop accessories and gadgets by Alessi, Francis Francis, Ritzehoff and fun quirky items by FRED and Anne Taintor, Japanese tea pots, Bialetti espresso makers, Bodum French press coffee pots and a whole lot more.

There were a number of pretty rough reviews on Yelp. Any fans out there?

And remember this is right next door to the former location of the Lambda Rising bookstore which rumor says is now slated to become a Comfort One shoes store:

Mt. Pleasant’s New Temporium to be located in Upcoming Nana’s Storefront

By Prince Of Petworth

Last week I shared the good word that Mt. Pleasant had been awarded a grant to open a Temporium at 3068 Mt. Pleasant St. for Jan. and Feb.

As part of the city’s new Temporary Urbanism initiative, the DC Office of Planning (OP) has awarded Mount Pleasant Main Street (MPMS) a grant to establish a “Temporium” in an unoccupied retail space at 3068 Mt. Pleasant St. NW. A Temporium is a temporary, pop-up retail space for local artisans to exhibit and sell their work. The Mt. Pleasant Temporium is scheduled to open for 24 dates between late January and February.

The Mt. Pleasant Temporium, scheduled to open for 24 dates beginning in late January 2011, will feature handmade goods for sale from 20 local, independent crafters and artists, as well as special programming that includes autobiographical and theatrical storytelling, trunk shows, educational panels, and live music.

The Temporium will be developed in partnership with Mount Pleasant Main Street, SpeakeasyDC, Hello Craft, Radio CPR, Partners for Livable Communities, the DC Office of Planning, and several neighborhood-based community groups.

At the time a reader noticed that this is the space that Nana is moving into. I spoke with the owner of Nana’s clothing boutique and she confirms that it is indeed the same space. She assured me that Nana will still be moving into that space when the Temporium closes. Good news all around!

Lucky Brand Store Closing in Dupont at the end of Jan.

By Prince Of Petworth

I just noticed that a big sign advertising “prime 1st floor retail” space has been posted above Lucky Brand Jeans located at 1739 Connecticut Ave NW.  I went in the store on Sat. and they confirmed that this location will be closing at the end of January.  However, the Georgetown location at 3273 M St NW will remain open.  The Dupont location is located right next to the old Anna Maria’s restaurant that remains vacant.

This is also just down the block from the old Lambda Rising space which will soon become a Comfort One Shoes.

What do you guys think will go into the “prime 1st floor retail” space? More retail? Another restaurant? Or it’ll sit vacant for a while?

Shop Local!

By Prince Of Petworth

This is a great video from Think Local First:

“Released to the public December 1, 12 Days of Local is a music video comprised on tunes sung by 12 independent DC business owners reminding consumers to remember the local businesses as an option for spending holiday dollars.

Participation in the video, which is part of a 12 Days of Local push for Think Local First, includes background music by Marshall Key and appearances from business owners of Busboys and Poets, Ben’s Chili Bowl, Hill’s Kitchen, Hello Cupcake, Uncle Brutha’s Hot Sauce, LettieGooch Boutique, Tryst, Taqueria Distrito Federal, Boundless Yoga and Logan Hardware. The production of video was provided by local rapper and videographer, W. Ellington Felton.”

Scuttlebutt: Old Lambda Bookstore Space Becoming a Comfort One Shoes

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for writing in and letting me know that the old Lambda Rising Bookstore space at 1625 Connecticut Ave, NW was getting fixed up. While only scuttlebutt at the moment, it seems that the space is going to be filled by a Comfort One Shoes. That seems a bit odd considering Comfort One Shoes is closing a space just down the block at 1607 Connecticut Ave, NW. Well not the most exciting news but there you have it. More info as it becomes available.

Labyrinth Games and Puzzles Coming To Capitol Hill

By Prince Of Petworth

Labyrinth will be coming to 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Their Web site says:

“Labyrinth Games & Puzzles is a family-friendly, community-focused store featuring a wide selection of non-electronic, specialty games, puzzles, and mazes for purchase, rent or play in the store. With activities and products geared toward all ages from 1 to 100, Labyrinth offers something for everyone. Many of our products are sourced from small, U.S. artisans or fair trade importers. We encourage you to visit, talk to our knowledgeable staff and most importantly have fun playing!”

It’s wild to hear about a new store like this in the age of computers and video games. Looking forward to seeing what their goods.

Dr. K’s Vintage Clothing Opens Up at 1534 U St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

We learned back in late Sept. that Dr. K’s Vintage Clothing would be opening up at 1534 U St, NW and I’m happy to say they are now open for business. I spoke briefly with owner, Som Kiat, who takes his collecting very seriously. You’ll see denim from the 1870s and some very very cool stuff. At the moment the credit card machine is not hooked up so only cash and check is accepted for another week or so. To buy or to browse it’s def. worth checking out. And most def. a great addition to U St, NW.


Denim behind glass from 1870s

Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)

View More Stories