Store Reporter

2 the 9s, a new boutique specializing in teen formalwear, has opened in the former Stuart Weitzmann space at Westfield Montgomery mall. This is the first Montgomery County venture for owner SoonRae Pinkos, who carries long and short gowns for proms, quinceañeras, mitzvahs and sweet sixteens. “There just aren’t many stores now where girls can try on their special occasion dresses in person,” Pinkos says. “When they order things online, they often don’t fit and the girls get frustrated. Here we can show what looks pretty on them, and hopefully they’ll find their dream dress.” After 30-plus years selling wedding clothes, Pinkos says working with teens is a refreshing change. “You make a lot of money on weddings, but it’s so much stress,” she says. “When you’re working with teens, they’re in the best shape of their lives, they have happy spirits, and they’re happily spending their parents’ money.”

Melashops, a colorful marketplace of South Asian clothing and jewelry, is joining the lineup at Westfield Montgomery mall. The store specializes in wedding attire, formal wear, everyday clothing and jewelry from India and Pakistan, plus a selection of items from Bangladesh, Turkey and Afghanistan. Owner Bobby Mozumder, who is relocating from Lakeforest Mall, says his family has always been in the fashion business. In fact, his mother used to run Roohi’s Sari Boutique in Rockville. At the new store, he says, “We want everybody to come and shop, not just a South Asian audience. Our silver jewelry, for example, looks great with jeans and a fancy blouse. You don’t have to be South Asian to buy it. You can buy it because it’s beautiful.” The shop will open April 1st in the mall’s Nordstrom wing, next to the upcoming Arhaus furniture store.

Bonday, the gift boutique that opened last summer at Rockville’s Federal Plaza, is relocating to Congressional Plaza with a new name and a new focus on designer goods. “We’re going to be all high-end, both new and pre-owned,” says owner Felicity Tchoufa, who will call her new store Le Bonday. “We’ll have clothing, bags, accessories and jewelry from all the famous designers: Gucci, Chanel, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace and Tori Birch. And we’ll also be introducing my own brand, Felicity T.” Doors are expected to open in May or June, in the space recently vacated by Loyal Companion. In the meantime, everything in the original store is on sale.

A weekly guide sponsored by some of our favorite local businesses

FITNESS, HEALTH & BEAUTY