Retail

Good News And Bad News For the 800 Block of Upshur Street, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Domku got a cool new picket fence out front and some new art is being displayed inside.

There’s lots more art to be seen but here’s a taste:

In the sad news department, clothing store and former neat neighborhood find, Shaka King Menswear, has closed.

I spoke with some folks out front who said Mr. King had moved to Florida. While I wasn’t a regular at his shop, I thought he was a really nice guy and I liked the flavor his store brought to the block. Hopefully, someone/thing equally cool will move in. I’m hoping for a shawarma/falafel spot…

Petworth Florist Opens at Georgia Ave and Allison Streets

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in early Feb. I mentioned that a florist was slated to open up soon. I’m happy to report that Mother Virginia is now open at the corner of Georgia and Allison Streets. I’m hearing good things about them so with Mother’s Day approaching be sure to check them out.

What Will Become of Retail at Harvard and Sherman?

By Prince Of Petworth

It was briefly mentioned in a comment yesterday that the Apex Gas Station has closed (perhaps permanently?) on the southwest corner of Harvard and Sherman. And of course we learned a couple months ago of the closing of the coffee shop, Coco libre (and before that Nani’s kafe) pictured above. So it got me wondering what type of retail do you think can be sustained at this intersection? I actually think it’s a great intersection as it is really close to all the development going on around 11th Street (not super close, but close enough). A reader was gchatting with me that she thought a Chipotle would be perfect in this spot! Now there is some foot traffic around here but it’s certainly not as dense as around 14th Street. Anyway, what type of retail do you think could work at this location? Do you think once 11th Street builds up a little more that the retail growth will naturally expand one block east?

An Odd Move – Pinz N Needlez Tattoo

By Prince Of Petworth

I thought this was pretty odd. The Pinz N Needlez Tattoo shop moved one door over from 926 U Street to 924 U Street in the old At&t storefront. What’s the scenario to move one storefront like this? But what I’m most curious about is, will they repaint one of the best shop numbers in town?

Music, Clothes, Crafts and Drinks

By Prince Of Petworth

From an email:

Vintage vendors, local crafters, artists, photo booths, cupcakes, fortune cookies, dancing, gift bags and drink specials!

FREE to enter, all ages

Event is being held at 18TH and RED.
2436 18th street in Adams Morgan

April 1st.      6:00pm

$3 draft beers, rail drinks, and house wines

Vendors accept cash, check, kisses. ATM inside bar.

THE LINE UP  after the jump. (more…)

Random PoP Query – Are Neighborhood Hardware Stores Doomed?

By Prince Of Petworth

The other day a buddy mine was replacing a stove for me and asked me to pick up a plug. I was without a car and thought, oh, I’ll just head over to Cooper’s Hardware on 14th Street. Sadly it seems Cooper’s has been closed since Jan and it’s not clear if they’ll reopen. Walking around last Friday, I recalled that Bemmi’s Hardware at 12th and Florida has also been closed for ages. So I know there Pfeiffer’s in Mt. P and Logan Hardware on P Street but I’m wondering if neighborhood hardware stores will be able to survive. I guess everyone goes to Home Depot these days. So what do you think – can neighborhood hardware stores survive? Do you have a favorite? Or is it cool just to head over to Home Depot?

New Gelato Shop Coming to P Street in Logan Circle

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for sending:

“So, I noticed that a new Gelato store is going into the Metropole’s empty retail space next to Lulu Lemon.

http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/06/23/story10.html

There’s now a sign up in the window though. Pintango Gelato coming soon!”

The Washington Business Journal wrote back in June:

“”It’s basically going back to the original gelato where it’s a very simple and wholesome dessert, without coloring,” [Noah] Dan said. Prices will range from $4.77 for a regular portion to about $6 for a large serving, big enough for two people, he said. All the gelato will be made in-house, using organic and locally farmed ingredients.”

Any gelato fans out there? How does it differ from regular ice cream?

CVS, You Don’t Have To Try So Hard

By Prince Of Petworth

Food Shoppe. Really? C’mon CVS, I go to you for shampoo and toothpaste and other sundries. I always go to you for these. I hardly think stocking cans of Hormel chili qualifies you as a “food shoppe”. Just embrace who you are. Does anyone actually shop at CVS for food?

Cleveland Park Getting Its Groove Back

By Prince Of Petworth

In October I wondered what happened to Cleveland Park after spotting a Halloween store where Blockbuster once stood. Things started to look up in November when I saw a running store and frozen yogurt spot open up. Well, the old Blockbuster spot looks like its found a permanent replacement – a wine shop. According to the license it will be called Weygandt Wines located at 3519 Connecticut Ave.

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