I cruised by the Target at DC USA and it was surprisingly chill. Although a friend of mine told me that there were lines around the block at 4:30 in the morning on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Insane. If anyone went out in DC or elsewhere was it equally insane?
SimplySoles opened up in this new spot on Nov. 1st. I spoke with owner, Kassie Rempel, who said she picked this spot because the area has developed into a shopping destination and it is has great parking options (being so close to the DCUSA mall) as well as being very convenient to her Mt. Pleasant home. She looked into opening up a spot in Mt. Pleasant but it didn’t offer the commercial hub she was looking for.
Rempel’s shoes come from Italy, Brazil and Spain. Additionally, she offers her own line called the Lilly Bee Collection. Shoes start at $125 and up. The store also features handbags and children’s shoes. SimplySoles is offering a 24 Hour Internet sale today where everything is 40% off.
Owner Kassie Rempel:
More photos after the jump. (more…)
River House is located at 3706 Macomb Street, NW. Their Web site says:
“Partnering with dealers and warehouses in Belgium and Holland We import vintage furniture from many countries in Europe.
These country and farm pieces are selected in the countryside then taken to the warehouse/studio where they are prepared for export to Washington.”
There are super cool pieces here.
The goods aren’t cheap but they are wicked fresh. More photos after the jump including a vintage Vermont brass pub tap. (more…)
Back in August after spotting a ridiculous Halloween store, I asked what happened to Cleveland Park? I’m happy to report their mall on Connecticut Ave. that used to house a bagel store has become PR Running Store and another empty storefront has become a frozen yogurt spot.
Washington Business Journal is reporting the deal is near finalized. The winner? Room & Board Inc., a Minneapolis furniture chain that plans a 32,000-square-foot store. Ugh, we could of had a Tryst type spot and yoga and a comedy club. We coulda been contenders. Sadly that team couldn’t get the financing it needed to purchase the building fast enough. I’m glad something’s going into this spot but it is definitely a bit disappointing. The article quotes Jim Graham:
“It’s disappointing because we had some very good prospects for that building, you know, locally rooted businesses,” said Councilman Jim Graham, D-Ward 1. “I don’t know how Room & Board feels about being welcomed into a neighborhood. But they’ve got a lot of people angry.”
So are you angry?
I thought they were just remodeling? Wow, this is not good. Retail at that end of Tivoli seems to be having a tough time. Well, frozen yogurt seems to be popular… Anyone know what might go into these places?
On a happier note there is a new bakery coming a bit further north on 14th Street.
This one is located two doors down from Sweet Time Bakery at 3531 14th Street.
I especially like the building Guatemala Bakery is in because it has one of my favorite signs above it:
I am aware I’m not normal…
“I’ve just learned Yes Organic has scheduled a private opening ceremony Monday, November 17th from 3PM.
In addition, CVS is also scheduled to open Monday at 8AM.”
Thanks to a reader for sending this photo. This was taken today at the Target in Columbia Heights. I support the option but I’m still going to get my wine at D’Vines across the street. They gave me a great recommendation last time I went. Although, I now have a new spot for my box of wine purchases…
This is the new clothing store that opened up at 832 Shepherd Street. I give much respect for new stores that invest in a proper sign. I think it shows a real commitment to the neighborhood. And damn that’s a sweet quote up top:
“Styles in Fashion Be Flyy”
Can’t argue with that.
When I have asked what stores people would like to see in various locations I often hear a chocolate shop. Well, actually saw my first chocolate shop this weekend on Connecticut Avenue. I know people love their chocolate but it seems like lots of folks would have to buy lots of chocolate for a store to stay in business. So how much chocolate do you all eat? I’m not a huge fan but I respect those that are. Do people eat chocolate once a day, once a week? Are their any connoisseur out there who explain good chocolate from standard candy bars? What’s the best chocolate you’ve ever eaten and where’d you get it?