Bye bye B Scene

B Scene, the Cabin John clothing boutique that’s been dressing local women in designer denim and slinky tank tops for 14 years, is closing its doors at the end of this month. Ilana Kashdin, who runs the boutique with her mother, says business dropped dramatically after B Scene left its high-profile storefront near California Tortilla and and moved inside the Cabin John Mall. “This space was never really where we wanted to be, and when our lease came up we just didn’t have a desire to stay here,” she says. Kashdin and her mother, Robin Greger, say they may open a new store at a different location — but only after they’ve taken a summer break. In the meantime, Kashdin says she’ll keep busy with her side business as a personal stylist and closet organizer.

Naples and Cold Stone debut at the mall

The much-delayed Naples Ristorante E Pizzeria E Bar finally opened its doors this week at Westfield Montgomery Mall. The 6,000-square-foot restaurant, which has both inside and outside entrances, is serving dinner only (for now) with a menu of Neopolitan-style pizzas and other Italian entrees. This is the first mall location for Naples, which has sister restaurants in New York City, Disney World and Disneyland. And for those who don’t mind piling on a few more calories after dinner: Cold Stone Creamery is now up and running in the mall’s Dining Terrace.

Workout wear in Potomac Village

Village Yoga in Potomac Village has expanded its space to make room for something new: a collection of workout wear from local entrepreneur Nicole Lipka. Her Serenity Fitness Boutique, featuring merchandise from Hard Tail, Lucy, Prana, Manduka and other popular brands, will open at Village Yoga in early June. Lipka, who once managed the Woodmont Country Club tennis shop and recently closed a short-lived Serenity store at King Farm, says she’s confident that Potomac Village is the right market for her merchandise. “My customers are suburban moms who want workout clothes they can wear to the grocery store, as well as professionals looking for evening clothes that are cute and different,” she says. “Village Yoga gets so many people coming for classes every day — and their sign-in desk is going to be right in the middle of my space.”

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What’s up with Red Nose Day?

Have you noticed all those Red Nose Day signs at Walgreens these past few weeks? It’s all part of a charity promotion between Walgreens and NBC, which will culminate in a live music and comedy show on May 21st. Red Nose Day, which launched in the U.K. more than 25 years ago and is just now making its U.S. debut, recruits comedians and other entertainers to raise money for anti-poverty efforts. Walgreens has been selling red noses for a $1 donation and encouraging customers to post selfies with them — a strategy so successful that the noses are virtually sold out at Walgreens stores across the country, including those in our area. Click here for more on Red Nose Day.

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