Welcome to Racked DC where we dig deep into the retail world and let you know about the latest happenings in fashion and shopping. Know of something interesting coming to town? Send the news into our tipline.
PENTAGON CITY—The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City is bringing in new luxury brands to increase the mall's posh appeal. With Kate Spade and Bose opening up stores, the mall is trying to attract shoppers with more money to burn. But the shopping complex is doing "a balancing act of sorts" to not alienate "the crowds that rely on public transportation". So it's trying to go ritzy but not too much. [WaPo]
CHEVY CHASE—It should come as no surprise that upscale Chevy Chase would open a high-end sportswear store called DJ Bennett that is (of course) "appointment-only". So if you're in the market "for snowboarding goggles with built-in GPS capabilities ($450) to neoprene surf suits ($650)" here's your place. Because one can never have too many neoprene surf suits. Never. [Georgetown Patch; OfficialSite]
MT PLEASANT—Women's clothing store Nana is leaving the Mt.Pleasant nabe after it set up shop there back in 2011. The owner, Jackie Flanagan, is "making changes to her business model for 2013". With the closing date not locked down but some time between January 21-24, the store's Winter Clearance Sale is on right now. [PoP]
BALLSTON— More news for Ballston as Potomac River Running runs from one side of the neighborhood (Wilson Boulevard) to the other (Fairfax Drive). The Potomac River Running owners were looking for more "long term control" of their rental space as the motivation to put on their running shoes and check out another part of Ballston. [ARLnow]
14TH STREET— Word on the street is that DC salon Immortal Beloved is looking to move from its current location on Church to a new spot on heavily-trafficked 14th Street next to Muleh's. But so far there isn't any information about a timeline so don't make plans yet for a new up-do. [PoP]
CLARENDON—It was back. Then it wasn't. The Papery in Clarendon is closing because the owner's brother "suddenly lost interest" leading to the store's "run down condition". The Papery doesn't close until January 13, so until then, the store is having a 50% off sale. Yes, everything is 50% off. [ARLnow]