Retail

Dear PoP – Community Forklift Rocks

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I went to Community Forklift in Hyattsville this weekend – its pretty awesome and I’m sure that fellow PoP readers would enjoy.

It is heaven for a those renovating a house on a strict budget. Cheap wood floors, doors, windows, appliances, tile…

they also have a very reasonable antique section. I got a trunk for $100 and a door that will soon be a headboard for $20.”

When we have spoken about renovation projects in the past, many readers bring up this great spot. I’m long overdue in giving them a separate post. Their Web site says:

“Community Forklift aims to:

* Lift up communities by making repairs and renovation more affordable for everyone in the community – homeowners, small businesses, charitable groups, etc.
* Reduce construction industry waste, keep reusable materials out of the landfill, and reduce the mining and harvesting of dwindling natural resources.
* Promote environmentally-friendly building materials and methods
* Develop career opportunities for nearby residents.”

You can find directions here.

Dear PoP – Union Row Retail Filled

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Union Row (2125 14th St, NW) seems to have its retail completely leased up now; the Sales Office has transferred to a new store that sells sliding doors. Oooo! And there’s a serious build-out going on in the last retail bay on V Street (next to Eatonville); the permits say build-out of an office, so not sure what to expect. But they’re adding a second floor (like the 2nd floor bar at Eatonville) so it’ll be interesting to see what goes in.”

Anyone know who is going in next to Eatonville?

Mt. Pleasant News – Pfeiffer’s Hardware becomes Old School Hardware

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Just got back from what I thought was Pfeiffer’s only to see a new sign above the shop and in the door for “Old School” Hardware. I have noticed an increase in stock the last few times I have been in there and of course the new fancy credit card machine. Thankfully, the same friendly and VERY helpful people seem to be there. Wondering if your readers have any more info…”

The store’s new Web site, Old School Hardware says:

“Phrases like “Bon Voyage”, “Winning Lottery Ticket”, and “Yes, I would really like to go out on a date with you,” evoke a certain amount of excitement and spark one’s imagination.

We think “Hardware Store” fits into this category quite well.

Our store has the products you need to do everything from your “Honey Do” list to your home renovation project. With a little bit of planning, we can bring in almost any product that you might need.

Please let us know what we can do for you and thank you for shopping with us.

-Katie & Phil”

We’d be hearing for years that Pfeiffer’s, located at 3219 Mt. Pleasant Street NW, would be selling. Glad to see they stayed a hardware store. I once wondered if neighborhood hardware stores were doomed. But with the survival of Pfeiffer’s (with their new name) plus Fragers and others – DC’s hardware store’s seem to be holding tight.

Thanks to the reader for sending all the info. Anyone notice any differences at the new Pfeiffer’s – Old School Hardware?

‘Good Wood’ Building Sells on U St, NW – Esther’s Treasures Closing in 14th St Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in Nov. ’09 I was horrified to see the the building that houses Good Wood for sale at 1428 U Street, NW. I couldn’t believe it when I saw the sign saying EJF Real Estate Services were moving in. Fortunately when I spoke to the owners of Good Wood, they said they weren’t going anywhere but did expect their rent to be raised a bit. EJF would be taking over the 2nd and 3rd floors after a fixing up the space. That is a relief and while I think this is good news for the short term, I’m nervous about the long term…


Esther in happier times

In other sad news, a reader sends in word about the closing of Esther’s Treasures located at 4722 14th Street, NW. She writes:

“Esther’s Treasures will be closing it’s doors at the end of SEPTEMBER !! We know we’ll be missed, but know that this is a difficult but necessary business decision. We won’t be far away, just stay tuned for EsthersTreasures.com and my other creative ways of bringing you my unique and fabulous merchandise!!

Esther’s Treasures
Resale and Consignment Boutique
4722 14th Street, NW

Close-out Sale Hours and Days
Wednesday – Saturday
8 to 8
Sunday, 1 to 7”

Ginger Roots Opens up at 1530 U St, NW (Grand Opening Sept. 18th)

By Prince Of Petworth

U Street’s newest retail spot was looking good last weekend. I chatted briefly with coowner Erin Derge who also works on their eco friendly sustainable design clothing line called Revamp (including tailoring). Ginger Roots showcases a few artists/retailers featuring clothing, photos, jewelry, custom designs and more. Their business card sums up the shop nicely – Tailoring, Eco-Design, Local Artisan Boutique. While they are currently open Sun. from 1-6pm and Mon, Thurs, Fri, and Sat. from 12-7pm they will be having a grand opening Sept. 18th. It’s great to see U Street get another cool retail option.

A few more photos after the jump. (more…)

Dear PoP – Anyone Know What’s Happening at the Oasis Liquor store in NE?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I was walking towards the NY Ave-Gallaudet metro when I noticed that the Oasis Liquor store on 3rd and M St NE is getting a whole new facelift inside and out. The exterior has been repainted and there were construction workers inside fixing up the place. The Oasis Liquor sign is still up in front of the store so I’m wondering if they’re actually renovating the place for a re-opening or will it be something else entirely?”

Any readers that live nearby know what the story is? I’m always happy to hear about places getting fixed up even if it’s just a facelift.


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Coming to 2400 14th St, NW (b/w Belmont and Chapin)

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Do you have any information on the nice looking store front at the new View 14 apartment building loated at Florida/14? It appears to have multi levels and perhaps a perfect spot for a mid size grocery store or bookstore or something like that. What do your readers think?

Also, what is happening with the empty lot across from it?”

Well the lot across the street has just started sporting a coming soon sign. So that’s positive. Construction of the old Nehemiah Shopping Center has been slated to begin in Fall 2010. You can see a rendering here. Back in Nov. ’09 we learned that There will be 240,000 square feet of which 16,000 will be retail and the rest will be 225 apartments.

As for the View 14 retail space, back in the day it was slated to become a gym but that deal fell through. No word yet on a possible new tenant. I’ll be sure to update when any developments or rumors occur.

Design Within Reach Closes Shop in Adams Morgan

By Prince Of Petworth

And the closings continue on Columbia Road. Thanks to all for sending word that Design Within Reach, located at 1838 Columbia Road, NW in Adams Morgan has been completely emptied out. A reader took the above photo from Friday and when I walked by on Sat. the store was completely empty. Another reader writes:

“DWR in Adams Morgan is gone. There’s absolutely nothing inside the store at all. Though I didn’t see any closing signage, it’s fairly apparent that the store is gone. Can’t say I miss it. Their prices were pretty outlandish and their stock was abysmal. I remember going in there needing a little small table for two people and the cheapest one was over $800. Blegh.”

We talked about the shop back in June ’08. Will they be missed?

SportsZone Coming to DC USA in Columbia Heights and other retail news

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC

It’s not as exciting as a French bakery but I still thought folks would be interested in the update. I’ve just learned that the newest tenant coming to DC USA will be a SportsZone. They are a sports and apparel company with locations in MD, VA and DC. They’ll be located between the Lane Bryant and Staples on the 14th St, NW side. They are looking to open by the end of Nov.

The IHOP also aims to open by the end of Nov. and they’ll be located on the Irving St, NW side.

Finally I’ve been getting tons of reader inquiries about Ellwood Thompson’s grocery store. Last we heard they planned to start construction sometime in July with a target completion date of Mid-January. Sadly that did not happen. I am hearing that all the ducks are in a row but that more investors are being sought. I’m not exactly sure what that means but I’m certainly not going to hold my breath for a January opening, sadly. More updates as they become available.

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