What’s the word here? This store has always stuck out on U Street for obvious reasons. It seems deserted now. Any patrons know the scoop?
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Retail
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Lots of good scuttlebutt to report. Firstly, I have been tipped by a very reliable source that within three to six weeks there will be a major announcement by the DC USA complex in Columbia Heights. That announcement is – Elwood Thompson’s grocery store will in fact be opening up! Secondly, it is likely that the Ross Dress For Less Store will no longer be coming to DC USA. Thirdly, and I think New Columbia Heights heard this rumor as well, REI is still very seriously considering opening a store in the DC USA complex. Holy sweet that would be awesome. Now I think it will be helpful if they receive encouragement via email. So definitely comment here if you’d like to see an REI but also make sure to contact REI directly here.
I had some false info about the Five Guys Opening last week (scuttlebutt accuracy down to 96%). But I am 99.9% sure they will be opening this Tuesday at 11am!
And sadly Colorado Kitchen has served its last dinner Sat. night and it’s last brunch on Sun.
But hey Elwood Thompson’s Grocery store is coming and with some luck so will REI!
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Design Within Reach, located at 1838 Columbia Road in Adams Morgan is one cool shop. I spoke with sales associate, Omari, who described the store as featuring modern, mid century furniture. He also explained that the name means that the patron is able to have direct access to classic pieces. Previously, customers had to go through designers to purchase these types of pieces but Design Within Reach has a warehouse that stocks many of the pieces so that there aren’t long wait periods for your furniture to arrive. As you would expect prices vary but most sofas range from $1500-$5000. The pictures will say a lot more than anything I can write. Plenty of them after the jump. But let me just add that I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw a terrarium on display. Well, another sales associate came up to me as I was admiring the terrarium and she told me it was actually for sale. Right on. So they also partner with Small World Terrariums and you can purchase some pretty cool terrariums. Very cool. Check out some photos of the furniture after the jump. (more…)
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It’s easy to overlook a tiny little mom and pop shop like Pfeiffer’s with all the new options mere blocks away, at the DCUSA mall, in Columbia Heights. Target might have everything you need, but there’s nothing quite like walking into a little neighborhood shop to be greeted with a friendly and sincere “hello, how can I help you?” quite often from the owner himself. The hardware store has been around for quite some time, but it’s only been Pfeiffer’s since December of 03 when Todd Pfeiffer and Adriana DiFranco took ownership. They live right in the neighborhood and you can tell they love it, they even sell some pretty sweet Mount Pleasant T-shirts.
It may not be as big as a Home Depot, but don’t let the tiny storefront fool you. Pfeiffer’s is packed full of just about every hardware item you can imagine. They don’t waste an inch in there! Need some loose screws or nails? Check the bins right next to the register. Want to paint your living room? Head to the back right corner. Gardening supplies? Across from the paint. Want to rent a drill? No problem, just 5 bucks a day. Looking for lumber or some drywall? Ask the staff and they’ll be happy to help you out. What’s that, you need something Pfeiffer’s doesn’t have? Well, you can put in a special order online and have it delivered to the store for pickup. If it turns out that it’s not what you need – no worries, it’s 100% returnable.
I really just think this place is great. I’m no girly-girl, but I’m not much of a DIY-er either. But every time I’ve stopped into Pfeiffer’s to get a spare set of keys made or to look for some appliance I don’t know the name of, the staff has always been helpful and super friendly. And they’ve never made me feel stupid when I ask for “those things that you stick in the drywall, you know, so your shelves don’t collapse? dollies?”
Thanks to a reader for sending the news that they spotted “The Childrens’ Place” in one of the DC USA storefronts yesterday. Is this just like a clothing store for kids or are there also toys? Who knows the story here?
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I’ve never realized just how many shops have sprouted up on U Street. But Habitat Live & Wear located at 1510 U Street has actually been around for 8 years. The shop is run by Gustavo Dinucci. As you can see from the photos it features jewelry, handbags, and home accessories. Although walking around the store it seemed to display mostly jewelery and handbags. The jewelry runs from $40-$500 and averages around $80. The handbags average around $100. Looks like another great spot to pick up gifts. (more…)
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Thanks to a reader for telling me that one of the final spots below the Union Row Condos on 14th Street has been filled. You can see from the permit in the photo above it’s going to be a CVS. Not many people get too excited about CVS but there really isn’t another good option on 14th Street and W except for the Right Aid at 13th and U. So for those that live in that area how do you feel about a CVS coming?
The reader was also kind of enough to send the ANC1B Meeting notes which gives an update on the other retail going below the Union Row Condos. The new restaurant Eatonville is discussed with this interesting tidbit emerging: “The restaurant will have spoken word, folklore, and storytelling as well as background music and art from both local and global artisans.” The YES! Organic market is also discussed with hopes that will open it’s 14th Street location by August and it seems this location will be granted a liquor license. Ed. note: Let’s hope the Petworth location has similar success getting a liquor license. Excerpt of meeting notes after the jump. (more…)
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Wow, I can’t believe I’ve never heard of this place before. And Beige (AB) is located at 1781 Florida Ave in the same building as the Mint gym. It is owned by Darren Miller and Broderick Lee and has been open for a year and a half. I spoke briefly with Mr. Miller. They chose this location because “there weren’t too many home stores in Adams Morgan and it felt like a good place to land”. The name And Beige was “inspired by clean, simple, and classic lines of a neutral home interior. The reason we embrace neutral colors is simple. Everyday life renders full sensory overload. We look to neutrals in creating a naturally, calming, and relaxing home environment.” There are lots of great pieces in the store. The prices range from $10 for a candle to $10,000 for a one of a kind table. It is certainly worth checking out next time you are in Adams Morgan. Lots more photos of the interior after the jump. (more…)
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French’s Cleaners on 14th Street near the Red Derby is looking good. New signs and upgrades on the inside. The best part was they took out this old press that I think would make a sweet lawn decoration. So does anyone use them? Close up of the press after the jump. (more…)
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Go Mama Go located at 1809 14th Street can only be described as eclectic. I spoke with co-owner Jonathan who told me that the store has been open since August of 2001 after starting on a smaller scale in Eastern Market in 2000. The owners looked all up and down 14th Street but ultimately chose this location because the price was right and its next door neighbor Home Rule were already open and bringing in foot traffic to this area. The wares offered range from dinnerware to candles to tsochtkes to art to basically, you name it. Jonathan explained that they are always looking for pieces that are “beautiful and useful in everyday life”. Prices vary but the bulk of their goods sell between $25-$100. Store hours are Monday – Saturday 11-7 and Sunday 12-5. Lots of photos of the interior after the jump. (more…)