Who didn't survive the holidays?
They say January is the cruelest month — and that’s certainly true in the world of retail and restaurants. Every year, longtime businesses start disappearing as soon as the holiday rush is over. In this week’s issue: three stores, a gym and a burger joint that won’t be joining us in 2020.
A.C. Moore is out the door
The next few weeks will be the last for A.C. Moore. The New Jersey-based chain, a haven for artists and crafters, is going out of business after 30 years. At the Montrose Crossing location in Rockville, doors will close in February unless the merchandise sells out faster. If you’re planning a visit, don’t wait too long: Shelves are emptying fast.
Bye bye Blanca Flor
Jewelry store Blanca Flor, which specialized in fine silver, will exit this weekend after 22 years at the Wildwood shopping center. Owners say they’re retiring and have no plans to open elsewhere. Stay tuned to Store Reporter for news about who may be moving in.
Gold's Gym throws in the towel
Gold’s Gym on Randolph Road closed its doors at the end of December. The club had been under pressure these past few years as competitors like Soldierfit, Club Pilates, Fit Body Boot Camp and Title Boxing Club moved into the surrounding neighborhood. Gold’s Gym still has locations at Wintergreen Plaza and Rockville Town Square.
So long Shoppers
Shoppers Food Warehouse has been retreating from the D.C. area, selling some of its stores to rival grocers and shuttering others for good. The store at White Flint Plaza falls into the latter category. It will be empty by mid-January.
Bye bye burgers at Fallsgrove
Retro diner Cheeburger Cheeburger has closed its doors at the Fallsgrove shopping center. The Rockville location was the last Cheeburger Cheeburger in Montgomery County; another one in Olney closed two years ago.
Congrats to our raffle winners
Congratulations to Carolyn Kolben, Charlene Disler, Daphne Bloomberg, Jennifer Okun, Lauren August, Lawrence Green, Michael Reiser, Sari Britz, Shoshana Rosenthal and Tracy Rezvani. They are our raffle winners from last month’s Holiday Boutique & Silent Auction sponsored by the Women of Washington Hebrew Congregation. Their winnings include: gift cards from Lavaloka and Trio Jr., design services from Elana Designs, home accessories from Crystal Luxe Lighting Plus, fun kitchen tools from Q.D. Foodie, kids’ books from Barefoot Books, photos from Photos by Freddie and jewelry from Austyn Parker and Sweet Charma.
You incorrectly reported that the Falls Grove location was the last in Maryland. In fact, there are still two Maryland locations: Annapolis and Columbia. The Falls Grove location was the last in Montgomery County.
Thank you for that correction, Ethan. We have updated our article.