Cabin John Shopping Center & Mall

Nespresso cafe, Shark Tank handbags, Macy’s closings & more

August 18, 2016 By Store Reporter 1 Comment

Hello Nespresso

This week we have good news for coffee lovers: Nespresso, which sells high-end coffee machines and accessories, is about to announce plans for a retail store at Westfield Montgomery Mall. Nespresso will take over the second-level space that was vacated this week by Kay Jewelers, which has relocated next to Swarovski. This is all part of a long-term plan to upgrade the mall’s Macy’s wing, where Nespresso will be joining neighbors Apple, Teavana and Sephora in the race to open their new stores before the holidays.

Macy’s store closings: Can it happen here?

If you saw last week’s news that Macy’s plans to close 100 of its 675 stores, you may have wondered whether there’s reason to worry about the retailer’s future at Westfield Montgomery Mall. The answer: Probably not, given this area’s demographics — but a final decision won’t be made until early 2017. “We’re going to be looking at the year-end numbers before we decide which specific ones will close,” says Macy’s spokesman Elina Kazan. Last year 36 Macy’s stores closed their doors after the holidays, including one in Hagerstown. For more on what Macy’s is doing to bring back lapsed customers, click here for our July 28th report.

R. Riveter marches in

R. Riveter, a patriotic purse company backed by Shark Tank‘s Mark Cuban, opened its first D.C.-area store this month at Westfield Montgomery Mall. The North Carolina-based retailer offers high-end handbags made from canvas, leather and recycled military materials — all hand-sewn by military spouses who work remotely wherever their families are stationed. The store also carries other military-related products that have been featured on Shark Tank, including bottle openers made from hollow bullets. You can find R. Riveter in the mall’s Nordstrom wing, in the former Eileen Fisher space across from Coach.

Bye bye bargains on Coach and Michael Kors

Speaking of luxury handbags: If you enjoy trolling the mall for discounts on your favorite high-end brands, this may not be the best year to find them. Coach recently announced plans to reduce its presence at department stores, while Michael Kors says it will start opting out of coupon and discount offers at stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom. Both companies have complained that frequent price cuts are “confusing” for customers, who ultimately become less willing to pay full price for luxury goods. Stay tuned to see how this no-discount strategy plays out over the holidays.

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Apple Store, Macy’s, Jennifer Convertibles and Jersey Mike’s

July 28, 2016 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

Apple Store is closed for the summer

The Apple Store expansion is finally under way at Westfield Montgomery Mall — several months later than originally planned, but still in time to reopen before the holidays. The new store will be nearly twice its former size, encompassing the neighboring spaces that previously belonged to BCBG and Teavana. If you need to visit the Genius Bar between now and November, the next-closest Apple locations are in downtown Bethesda and Tysons Corner.

A Summer of changes at Macy’s

Macy’s shoppers may be noticing some changes this summer as the retailer strives to update its image. Workout wear is getting a lot more floor space as the “athleisure” clothing trend continues to drive sales. In the cosmetics department, old-fashioned glass cases are increasingly giving way to self-service kiosks à la Sephora. And clearance items from all over the store are now being shoved into one big “Last Act” section aimed at bargain hunters. “We are testing this approach to see how our customers react to it,” says Macy’s spokesman Elina Kazan. “We think it’s easier to find the discounts this way.” Also new is Macy’s On Call, a chatbot from IBM’s Watson system that can help you navigate the store or find what you’re looking for via your phone instead of a sales rep. Westfield Montgomery Mall is one of 10 locations where Macy’s On Call is being tested. To try it out for yourself, click here.

Flowers, fun and music at Cabin John

Have you noticed the flowering plants, free yoga classes, cornhole tournaments and sidewalk concerts at Cabin John Shopping Center & Mall this summer? It’s all part of a long-term effort to “surprise people, provide some entertainment, and encourage shoppers to walk around more when they’re here,” says marketing manager Hilary Shure. “You never know what you’re going to find just around the corner.” September will bring a series of parking lot concerts from local rock and oldies bands, including Lloyd Dobbler Effect, Sandra Dean Band and the Retro-Rockets. Show dates haven’t been posted yet, but you can click here to see what’s coming up for August.

Goodbye Jennifer Convertibles

Jennifer Convertibles and Jennifer Leather closed their doors on Rockville Pike this week as the New York-based retailers exits the D.C. area. “We still have locations in New York and New Jersey, but the ones in Maryland and Virginia just weren’t profitable,” a sales rep tells us.

Hello Jersey Mike’s Subs

Jersey Mike’s Subs made its Rockville debut at Wintergreen Plaza this week, just two doors down from the new Habit Burger Grill. The two restaurants have replaced Tedd’s 355 Diner, which was torn down last fall. To check out the Jersey Mike’s menu, click here.

Hello David’s Tea, Goodbye Costco Amex & Redskins Team Store

June 16, 2016 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

David’s Tea makes its debut

David’s Tea, a Canadian retailer that’s in the midst of a major U.S. expansion, has opened its first Maryland location at Westfield Montgomery Mall. Founded eight years ago by a Quebec student and his retail magnate cousin, David’s is known for its whimsical packaging, seasonal product changes and unusual flavor infusions. (This summer’s selections include Grape Freeze, Chocolate Covered Banana and Strawberry Colada.) David’s, which has more than 150 locations in Canada, went public in 2015 with plans for 80 U.S. stores by the end of this year. At Montgomery Mall, where Teavana is temporarily closed while its new location is under construction, you can find David’s in the Macy’s wing right next to Starbucks — or click here for a sneak peek online.

Costco to Amex: You’re dead to us

This weekend marks the official end of Costco‘s longtime partnership with American Express as the company begins a new relationship with Citibank Visa. The Costco Amex was known for its generous cash-back rewards program, but the Costco Visa raises the bar even higher: 4% cash back on gas purchases, 3% on restaurants and travel, 2% at Costco and 1% on everything else. American Express, which stands to lose nearly 10% of its customer base with the dissolution of the Costco deal, is now trying to lure back lapsed cardholders with a sweet $250 cash-back offer. For an informative Motley Fool report on the benefits of both cards, click here. And no matter what you decide, this Sunday (June 19th) is the last day that any kind of Amex card will be accepted at Costco.

Third Fish Taco to open next week

Just two months after the debut of Fish Taco at Wildwood Shopping Center, the burgeoning chain is set to open its third location next week at the former home of City Burger in Chevy Chase. The Fish Taco concept has been a winner for local restaurateur Francis Namin, who also created City Burger as well as the Don Pollo chicken chain and the much-missed Red Tomato Café in downtown Bethesda. Namin’s upscale Bethesda restaurant, Food Wine & Co., closed its doors a few weeks ago after its building was marked for redevelopment.

Goodbye Redskins Store, hello flag socks

If you were planning to stop by Westfield Montgomery Mall this weekend to pick up some Father’s Day gifts at the Washington Redskins Team Store, we have some bad news: The store has closed, and the next-closest location is at Tysons Corner. Perhaps Dad would be willing to settle for some flag-fashion footwear? Liberty Socks, a new kiosk in the Macy’s wing at Montgomery Mall, sells eye-catching patriotic patterns designed by a U.S. Army vet. Liberty Socks is a pop-up tenant that will close after July 4th. Click here to check out all the stars and stripes.

Bed Bath & Beyond buys One Kings Lane

This week Bed Bath & Beyond bought One Kings Lane, the online retailer whose ads you may have noticed as you browse around online. One Kings Lane, a once-hot company whose fortunes have cooled in the past two years, sells an eclectic mix of furniture and accessories via flash sales and photo vignettes that make mixing and matching look easy peasy. (Click here to see for yourself.) Bed Bath & Beyond hasn’t explained its game plan here: Will its stores start carrying furniture from One Kings Lane, or is this all part of a strategy to diversify the retailer’s online presence? Stay tuned to see how this deal plays out.

Nike Factory Store, Chuy’s Tex-Mex & Modern Market to Rockville — plus our best appetizer winners

June 9, 2016 By Store Reporter 2 Comments

Nike store’s next for Pike & Rose

Good news for those who are sad to say goodbye to Sports Authority: A Nike Factory Store will soon be moving into Pike & Rose in North Bethesda, taking over the former City Sports space that’s been empty since last fall. The store will carry workout gear and accessories for all ages, some of which can jazzed up with monograms and other custom touches. Nike will be the second sporting goods retailer doing business at Pike & Rose, where REI also is building out a store that’s scheduled to open next year. Click here for more in our Oct. 22 edition.

Chuy’s Tex-Mex heading to Rockville

Making its Maryland debut on Rockville Pike this fall: Chuy’s, a Tex-Mex chain from Austin that’s taking over the recently closed Ruby Tuesday space at Federal Plaza. Chuy’s, which has a half-dozen locations in Virginia, is known for its made-from-scratch menu and quirky decor featuring colored hubcaps, hanging wooden fish and Elvis memorabilia. Craving burritos already? Click here to check out the menu.

Hold the sugar, bring on the butter

Modern Market, a health-oriented and eco-conscious restaurant chain from Boulder, Colo., is heading to Congressional Plaza with plans for a fall opening next to Chopt. The menu will feature salads, sandwiches, brick oven pizzas and breakfast items, all made from scratch with real butter, whole milk cheeses and raw nuts. “We think added sugar is the devil and (good) fats are our friends,” says the Modern Market website.” We’re a place where paleo, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free friends can all enjoy a great meal, together.” Another Modern Market is also on the way to Bethesda Row. For a look at the menu, click here.

Who has the best appetizers in town?

We asked Store Reporter readers to vote for their favorite appetizers in the Rockville/Potomac area. The result? Three hands-down favorites and three runners-up.

CAVA MEZZE AT TRAVILLE VILLAGE CENTER. This is the restaurant that started the whole Cava empire back in 2006 — and many say it’s still their favorite for great small plates. Our readers’ top picks are the Brussels sprouts with Greek yogurt and olive bread crumbs; the roasted beets with balsamic pomegranate and goat cheese; and of course the famous flaming Saganaki cheese.
SUGO AT PARK POTOMAC. Here’s another win for the Cava team, which opened sister restaurant Sugo in 2012. Brussels sprouts and roasted beet salad are popular here too, but in this case the sprouts are cooked with crispy pancetta and the beets are paired with arugula, pistachios and gorgonzola. Other reader favorites: the chicken meatballs and the grilled charred octopus.
MOCO’S FOUNDING FARMERS AT PARK POTOMAC. At the Rockville branch of the D.C.-based chain, right down the sidewalk from fellow winner Sugo, our readers are particularly fond of the farm breads with various toppings — especially the brie, onion jam and crisp apple combo. Other reader picks include the garlic black pepper wings, fried green tomatoes, bacon lollis and bacon-wrapped dates.

Three other restaurants also earned high marks in our best-appetizer poll. THE GRILLED OYSTER CO. AT CABIN JOHN SHOPPING CENTER draws praise not only for its oysters but also its mussels, fried calamari and Maryland crab dip. CLYDE’S TOWER OAKS LODGE earns kudos for its hummus plate, grilled lamb chops and Coca Cola-marinated beef yakitori. And at MATCHBOX on Rockville Pike, our readers favor the mussels, mini burgers and tuna tartare.

Congrats to our Sugo dinner winner

Congratulations to Store Reporter reader David Winer of Potomac, who won our drawing for a $60 Sugo gift card. Thanks to all who entered the drawing by voting for their favorite appetizers — and stay tuned to Store Reporter for more giveaways coming up.

New gym and outdoor market to Potomac — plus Trader Joe’s, dance classes & donuts

May 12, 2016 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

New gym for Park Potomac

Orangetheory Fitness, a group-training gym that opened in The Kentlands two years ago, will head to Park Potomac this summer with a new location across from MoCo’s Founding Farmers. The fast-expanding chain, which offers heart rate-monitored workouts with intervals of cardio and strength training, will provide new competition for the eight-year-old Life Time Athletic club just around the corner. Orangetheory is the latest addition to Park Potomac’s growing list of upcoming tenants, which now includes a revamped Addie’s, Gringos & Mariachis, and the Italian coffee house Filicori Zecchini. Click here for more in our April 28th edition.

Outdoor craft market pops up in Potomac

Also on the way to Park Potomac this summer: URBNmarket, a pop-up showcase for vintage and locally made goods that’s making its first move outside downtown Bethesda. Modeled after similar shows in Philadelphia and Atlanta, URBNmarket features one-of-a-kind jewelry and accessories, vintage and handmade clothing, beauty and pet products, gourmet foods, and home decor like these colorful table runners from Hen House Linens. “We’re really excited about this new location,” says co-founder Julie Greenstein, who created URBNmarket in 2014 with business partner Debbie Sonnenreich. Forty-plus vendors have signed on for the Park Potomac event; they’ll set up shop on the grassy area near Harris Teeter on Friday, June 3rd and Saturday, June 4th, accompanied by live music and a beer garden. A second show is slated for mid-July. For more info, click here.

New Trader Joe’s for Travilah?

Is Trader Joe’s heading to Darnestown Road? The Washington Business Journal says plans are in place for the grocery store to open at Travilah Square Shopping Center, where it would replace an existing Burger King and a small office building. This would be the second Rockville location for Trader Joe’s — hopefully with easier parking than the always-crowded lot at Federal Plaza on the Pike. When we spoke with Trader Joe’s this week, a spokesperson said the company wasn’t ready to disclose plans for Travilah just yet. We’ll keep you posted as things develop.

Dance company heading to Rockville Town Square

Opening next month at Rockville Town Square: A second home for Dawn Crafton Dance Connection, the Gaithersburg company that’s building out four new studios on Gibbs Street next to Bar Louie. Crafton, who’s been teaching dance since 1954, says she’s been eyeing downtown Rockville since her students started performing holiday shows there several years ago. The new space “has a real small-town community feel” that will allow parents to run errands while their kids are in class — something they never could do at her other space on Airpark Avenue, Crafton says. “It’s a big move for us, but there’s so much more for people to do here and I think it’s going to be fabulous.”

Share your favorites and win dinner at Sugo

For our next Store Reporter Favorites section, we’re asking our readers to tell us who has the best appetizers in town. From deviled eggs and roasted beets to fried calamari and tuna tartare, which restaurants do you recommend for the best light bites in greater Rockville and Potomac? Click here to comment on our Facebook page, or click here to email our editors directly. Everyone who weighs in will be entered to win a $60 gift card for one of our favorites: Sugo at Park Potomac.

Krispy Kreme deal is hot off the fryer

Krispy Kreme changed hands this week in a $1.35 billion deal that could turn the donut chain into a major player in the coffee market. The company’s new owner is JAB, a European firm that also controls Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Caribou Coffee, Keurig Green Mountain and several other American coffee retailers. That means Krispy Kreme, which never was known for its coffee, will likely start serving one or all of those brands in the next 12 months. There’s also speculation that the new owners will finance a major expansion for Krispy Kreme — and that could spell trouble for Dunkin’ Donuts, which currently earns most of its profits from coffee sales.

Staples + Office Depot: The wedding’s off

Staples and Office Depot called off their merger this week after a successful protest by the Federal Trade Commission, which had warned that the deal would impair competition and lead to higher prices. Staples, the nation’s largest office supply chain, now has to pay Office Depot a $250 million “breakup fee.” Even so, analysts say it’s unclear whether Office Depot can survive over the long term.

Over-the-top sweet shop, hot Halloween costumes, online price wars, a grand opening

October 15, 2015 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

Over-the-top sweet shop opening at the mall

The Lolli and Pops candy store at Westfield Montgomery Mall is scheduled to open by Halloween. But trust us: You’re not going to want to share these sweets with random trick-or-treaters. Lolli and Pops is a San Francisco-based chain with an eclectic selection of gourmet, retro and international candies, all wrapped up in a ’50s decor that would look right at home on Disneyland’s Main Street U.S.A. If you’re looking for Choward’s Violet Mints from New York, Jonboy Caramels from Seattle, Butlers Irish Whiskey Fudge from Dublin, Leone candies from Italy or Mr. Stanley’s Toffee from England, this is the place to find them. The store also specializes in oddball drinks like Moxie Original Elixir, Brownie Caramel Root Beer and Jones Peanut Butter and Jelly Soda. And did we mention there’s a room devoted entirely to gummy bears — with plenty of free samples? This will be the third D.C.-area location for Lolli and Pops, which arrived in Annapolis and Tysons Corner last year. You’ll find it on the mall’s lower level near Macy’s, next door to the upcoming Alex and Ani store.

Halloween 2015: Star Wars, Minions and the Inflatables

If you’re planning to take the kids out shopping for Halloween gear this weekend, don’t wait too long: Costumes from Star Wars, Minions and Inside Out are already flying off the shelves at local Halloween stores, as are the Avengers and other classic superheroes. Also hot this year is the new breed of inflatable costumes, which come with a battery-powered air pump to keep everything puffy through a long night of trick-or-treating. Popular inflatables include sumo wrestlers, Baymax the robot from Big Hero 6, and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters. But pretty much anything inflatable is a hit at the pop-up store X-treme Halloween on Rockville Pike, says manager Dennis Bracey. “We’ve got a T. Rex, SpongeBob and Patrick the Starfish, and we can’t even keep them in stock.” For the girls, characters from the Monster High franchise and Disney Channel’s Descendants are popular choices this year. But Princess Elsa from Frozen is still holding onto her crown: Just like last year, she remains the top pick for girls who want to be royal.

Here’s our Butter jacket winner from On Cloud 9

Congratulations to Store Reporter reader Jill Mendelson Rodriguez, whose 7-year-old daughter won a super-soft Butter jacket from On Cloud 9 at Potomac Woods Plaza. For all you contestants who didn’t win the jacket but still want to visit On Cloud 9, watch your email later this week for a special coupon from Store Reporter. (And if you didn’t enter the contest but would like to receive the coupon, click here to send us an email and we’ll be happy to send one out.)

October price wars: Target vs. Amazon vs. Jet.com

Amazon.com got some extra competition this month as Target upped the price-matching ante and online newcomer Jet.com dropped its plans to charge for membership. Target stores and Target.com are now promising to price-match comparable items from a long list of retailers including Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, Staples, Walmart, and even warehouse clubs Costco and Sam’s Club. Check your phone to compare prices while shopping in the store, or come back within 14 days if you find a lower price at any retailer on this list. As for Jet.com — an online retailer that launched this fall as a direct competitor to Amazon — the young company now says its customers are filling their shopping carts much more quickly than expected… so never mind about that $50 membership fee, it won’t be necessary after all. Jet doesn’t promise two-day delivery à la Amazon Prime, but it’s not charging $99 a year for membership either — and a quick search shows that Jet’s prices often beat Amazon’s by 10 percent or more. So if you’re ordering stuff that you don’t really need in the next 48 hours — even if you already belong to Amazon Prime — it may pay to take Jet for a spin.

An Addie’s update, a Mother’s Day giveaway and new Amex rewards — plus more on the corned beef front

May 7, 2015 By Store Reporter 2 Comments

Addie’s on the Pike to reopen as Helen’s Bar & Grill

D.C. caterer Helen Wasserman is eyeing a July 4 opening for Helen’s Bar & Grill, her new restaurant in the former Addie’s location on Rockville Pike. Addie’s was the first venture for local restaurateurs Jeff and Barbara Black, who earned a loyal following there from 1995 to 2013. Enter Wasserman, who owned a restaurant in the ’80s and wanted to get back in the business after 35 years of catering. “I live just down the street from Addie’s, and when the location came up I thought it was perfect,” she says. The century-old building is undergoing a complete makeover, including the transformation of its famous yellow facade to a muted palette of grey, white and plum. The menu will draw on Wasserman’s favorite catering recipes, with a focus on Mediterranean, Asian and southern dishes. “At lunch we’re going to offer a $15 special with entree, salad, dessert and non-alcoholic drinks,” she says. “I want to make sure that it’s not too high-end, because I want people to come back a lot.”

Mother’s Day giveaway: Win this necklace

Store Reporter is teaming up with local designer Valerie Nahmani for a Mother’s Day jewelry giveaway. Nahmani’s handmade pieces incorporate gemstones, crystals, gold and silver for beautiful results like this sideways agate necklace, valued at $195. Want a chance to win it? The best way to enter is through Facebook: 1) Like Store Reporter (click here). 2) Like Valerie Nahmani Designs (click here). And 3) Post a comment about the giveaway. If you’re not on Facebook but you’d still like to enter, click here to send us an email. Update: Dana Stewart was the lucky winner of this necklace. Stay tuned for more great contests from Store Reporter.

Amex Plenti program makes its debut

This week American Express rolled out its new Plenti rewards program, a flexible system that allows shoppers to earn points at one business and spend them at another. So you could, for example, buy gas from Exxon or cell service from AT&T — and then use those points for purchases at Macy’s or Rite Aid. The new program comes in the wake of recent news that Amex and Costco are terminating their longtime partnership.

The Corned Beef King is finally back

After many months of delays and setbacks, the Corned Beef King food truck finally found its way home this week to the Montgomery Square Copenhaver Swim Club on Falls Road near Montrose. Truck owner Jon Rossler, whose family once owned the Celebrity Delly at Cabin John Shopping Center, signed a deal last December to operate from the swim club’s parking lot. After he was driven out by neighbors’ complaints, Rossler applied to the county for express permission to operate from that spot. This week he was finally back in business with everything from Reubens to mac-and-cheese plates to matzoh ball soup. (We tried the corned beef and were duly impressed.) Rossler is still working out the schedule for when he’ll be onsite, but it’s likely to be dinner-only Wednesday through Friday with longer hours on weekends.

Reader Favorite: Chloe’s NY Style Deli

Our Reader Favorite section is the perfect place to tell us about that dish you dream about, that dessert you crave, or that go-to gift from your favorite local store. Ian Band, a Potomac immigration attorney, is impressed with the newly opened Chloe’s NY Style Deli on the edge of the Dining Terrace at Westfield Montgomery Mall. “I’ve been there twice and had the Reuben and the knish both times,” he says. “Fresh, stacked and delicious. Each sandwich is made to order with care. Highly recommended!” Want to tell us about your favorite local place? Click here.

New seafood market coming to Potomac Woods; two local gyms close

April 30, 2015 By Store Reporter 1 Comment

Little Gym out, seafood market in at Potomac Woods

Big changes are coming to Potomac Woods Plaza, the Walgreens-anchored shopping center off Montrose and Seven Locks Road. Moving out next week: The Little Gym children’s
fitness center, which is tentatively set to reopen in Gaithersburg. Moving in this fall: A new seafood market from the former owner of the O’Donnell’s Sea Grill restaurant chain. “Along with fresh fish, we’re going to have meats, prepared vegetables, a make-your-own salad bar and a bakery,” says owner Bill Edelblut, whose family opened the first O’Donnell’s in D.C. in 1922 and closed the last one in The Kentlands in 2013. “We’re going to have the same crab cakes we served at the restaurant. And the rum buns — cinnamon sweet rolls that were an O’Donnell’s signature for 90-something years — are coming back.” Edelblut says he hopes this new venture will offer a less punishing schedule than the restaurant business. “Forty years of nights and weekend hours were enough for me,” he says. “I’ve always wanted to open a market.”

Barre Belle throws in the towel

The Little Gym at Potomac Woods Plaza isn’t the only “little gym” that’s saying goodbye this week. Just around the corner at Park Potomac Place, Barre Belle Fitness Studio closed its doors on Tuesday after four years in business. Owner Julie Wender, a Bethesda native who was one of the first to teach barre fitness classes in this area, was originally a franchisee of the Go Figure chain. Last year she split with that company and changed the gym’s name and format. Fans are hoping that Wender will turn up again at another local gym.

Three new eateries ready to open at the mall

Construction is nearly complete on three new eateries in the Dining Terrace at Westfield Montgomery Mall. Cold Stone Creamery, Yum Crepes and the Naples Italian restaurant are all expected to open in the next week or two. So is the new Rumi Tea and Spice shop on the lower level near Macy’s.