retail | ARLnow.com

Morning Notes

Published May 5, 2016 at 10:30AM

County Board Contenders Debate — The two Democratic contenders for Arlington County Board, incumbent Libby Garvey and challenger Erik Gutshall, debated who would be the most transparent and the best agent of change last night. Gutshall criticized Garvey for the lack of action on new transit options for Columbia Pike and for supporting the creation of a “blue ribbon panel” to study county priorities. [InsideNova, Washington Post]

Residents Concerned About Sex Offender — Some residents in the Bluemont neighborhood and the area around Bon Air Park are concerned about a registered sex offender who recently moved to the area. There have been reports of the man watching children’s soccer games and leaving balloons in the backyard of a family home. Police say they’re investigating. [Fox 5]

News

Renovated Pacers Store Reopens in Clarendon

By ARLnow.com

Published April 12, 2016 at 10:25AM

After nearly two months of renovations, the Pacers Running Store in Clarendon reopened last week.

The store’s interior was totally revamped to offer a “shopping experience” similar to the new Pacers stores in the District, on 14th Street and in Navy Yard. The new space is more open, more organized and features more natural light.

Around Town

Sweetgreen, Orangetheory Fitness Coming to Pentagon City

By ARLnow.com

Published April 4, 2016 at 10:50AM

The businesses are coming to the ground floor of The Acadia at Metropolitan Park apartment building. That the same building in which a CorePower Yoga studio just opened.

Sweetgreen applied for its construction permit on the 12th Street S. side of the building on Feb. 24. Orangetheory applied for a permit on the S. Fern Street side of the building on April 1.

Around Town

Hard Times Cafe in Clarendon Offered For Lease

By ARLnow.com

Published March 14, 2016 at 2:55PM | Updated March 14, 2016 at 3:13PM

Hard Times Cafe space available for lease in Clarendon

Hard Times Cafe in Clarendon occupies one of the most iconic restaurant locations in Arlington, directly across from the Clarendon Metro station. After more than 20 years in business at 3028 Wilson Blvd, it appears that the local eatery is preparing to leave.

While Hard Times in Clarendon remains open, its 8,240 square foot space is being offered for lease. A marketing flyer says the “trophy restaurant or retail space” is “available immediately.”

Around Town

Renovations Underway at Pacers in Clarendon

By ARLnow.com

Published February 17, 2016 at 4:45PM

Photo courtesy Pacers

One of the most prominently-located retail stores in Arlington is getting a makeover.

Renovations are currently underway at the Pacers Running Store at 3100 Clarendon Blvd, across from the Clarendon Metro station. The interior of the store is being renovated, following a recently-completed exterior renovation.

Around Town

Preppy Retailer ‘The Pink Palm’ Coming to Clarendon

By ARLnow.com

Published February 4, 2016 at 10:30AM | Updated February 4, 2016 at 2:30PM

The Pink Palm will be moving from Old Dominion Drive in McLean to the Market Common Clarendon shopping center, as soon as mid-to-late spring. The store will be located at 2871 Clarendon Blvd, in the former Knightsbridge Trading Co. space.

The Pink Palm stocks clothes, accessories and gifts for well-heeled customers from brands like Lilly Pulitzer, Barbour, Lifeguard Press and Natty Beau.

Around Town

Crystal City’s Executive Menswear Closing Soon

By Buzz McClain

Published January 21, 2016 at 3:30PM | Updated January 21, 2016 at 3:58PM

(Updated at 3:58 p.m.) After four years of business, Executive Menswear at the Crystal City Shops will soon sell its last necktie. The store is at 2117 Crystal Plaza Arc, but not for much longer.

With all inventory reduced to 70 percent off and a sign thanking customers for “several years of business,” the shop is set to close its doors “very soon,” said an employee who preferred not to be identified. “It could be today, maybe tomorrow, but very soon.”

Around Town

New Consignment Shop Gives Life to Used Adventure Apparel

By Buzz McClain

Published January 20, 2016 at 1:30PM

Lisa Peregory, owner of Second Ascent Consignment

It’s hardly camping weather, but Lisa Peregory, owner of the new Second Ascent Consignment shop at 2757 Washington Boulevard, says business has been as brisk as the temperatures in the two months since the store opened.

The store specializes in casual clothing, outerwear and footwear for men, women and children, as well as specialized gear for camping, hiking, paddling and climbing, sold on a consignment basis. Customers bringing in clothing receive 45 percent of the sale price when the item sells. For items over $150 the split is 50-50.

News

County Board to Consider New Glebe Road Development

By Heather Mongilio

Published October 12, 2015 at 4:05PM

Via Arlington County

(Updated at 4:05 p.m.) A new six-story residential building may be coming to Ballston.

The County Board is scheduled to vote Saturday on a proposal by developer Penrose Group to turn a parking lot, used car lot and Exxon gas station into a six-story mixed-use building. County staff is recommending that the Board approve the request.

News

County Board Approves New Retail Action Plan, Despite Some Concerns

By ARLnow.com

Published July 20, 2015 at 5:00PM | Updated July 20, 2015 at 5:30PM

The County Board voted 4-1 on Saturday to approve the plan, which has been years in the making and will replace an outdated retail plan originally passed in 2001. The new plan moves Arlington from a “retail everywhere” approach — policies designed to put ground floor retail in most commercial buildings, regardless of whether a business could actually survive in a given location — to what’s billed as a flexible but “curated” approach.

Color-coded maps will now define where the county would like certain types of retail businesses to set up shop. The owners of buildings in high foot traffic areas will be encouraged to adopt certain building standards that are conducive to ground floor retailers, from higher ceilings to smaller building lobbies.

News

County Board to Vote on Retail Action Plan

By ARLnow.com

Published July 16, 2015 at 10:30AM | Updated July 16, 2015 at 11:59AM

The new Arlington County Retail Plan would move away from the county’s current “retail everywhere” policy, which was an attempt to provide more lively street life around Arlington by requiring retail spaces in most new commercial buildings.

While successful by some measures, “retail everywhere” — a policy last updated in 2001 — has hit snags, with the owners of buildings in low-foot-traffic areas struggling to find viable retail tenants.

News

E-Cigarette Store Opening on Columbia Pike

By Heather Mongilio

Published May 27, 2015 at 2:30PM

The store will sell vaporizers and e-liquids, which come in various flavors including traditional tobacco flavors and more exotic flavors like watermelon mojito or peppermint bark. Customers can also create their own flavors at a “juice bar,” said Scott Parker, a managing partner in the business.

The new store is located at 3219 Columbia Pike, across from the Audi dealership. It’s a locally-owned franchise of VaporFi, a Miami-based retail chain and manufacturer.