New chapter for Rockville Barnes & Noble, new pizza on the Pike, new gym for Cabin John

Ever since Barnes & Noble closed its doors in downtown Bethesda last winter, we’ve been wondering if the Rockville store would be next. The struggling bookseller has been ditching its big-box format all across the country, closing some stores as their leases expire and relocating others to smaller spaces. So we weren’t really surprised when we started hearing buzz that the Rockville location would be moving and downsizing in 2019. But this month, local book lovers got their holiday miracle: Barnes & Noble changed course and signed a new lease with Montrose Crossing, where it will remain for at least the next five years.

More good news for the Montrose Crossing shopping center: Seattle-based Mod Pizza is on the way, joining a Rockville Pike restaurant row that now includes Cava, Honeygrow, Slapfish and Five Guys. Mod replaces Pieology, which originally was supposed to open in that space, with a similar menu of personal-sized pizzas and salads that are made to order as you travel down an assembly line. Also on the menu: cheesy garlic bread, milkshakes, house-made iced tea and lemonade, local craft beer and wine. Doors will open this spring next to Five Guys.

Santa was having a rare quiet moment when we stopped by Westfield Montgomery mall this week. But things have been pretty busy overall for the big guy: The mall has been bustling this month even on weekdays, with healthy-looking lines at the checkout counters and plenty of customers browsing at the holiday pop-up shops. For a look at this year’s glittery displays, check out our photos on Facebook and Instagram.

Looking ahead to the post-holiday fitness frenzy: Boutique gym Biker Barre is eyeing a mid-January opening in the mini-mall at Cabin John Village. This week we got a sneak peek behind the scenes, where whitewashed grey floors have been installed in the future barre room and lighting and sound systems are under way in the future bike room. Members will be able to take cycle classes, belly up to the barre or stay for a double-header. More details in the weeks to come. Meanwhile, stay tuned for an official announcement about Life Time Athletic heading to Westfield Montgomery mall. Check out our Oct. 25th issue for the scoop.

When we’re out of ideas for holiday gifts, we can always count on The Container Store for inspiration. Every year they send us a box of stocking stuffers to review — and once again, their picks did not disappoint. Here are some of our favorites.