Business Ins & Outs: Lugano Diamonds, Hobo Bags, Sleep Number Beds
By • October 3, 2022 0 1833
Coming: Lugano Diamonds to Take Over Eno Space
Who knew that wine, cheese and charcuterie could lead to diamonds?
Lugano Diamonds & Jewelry, designer and manufacturer of high-end, one-of-a-kind jewelry, will be taking over the space once held by the popular Eno Wine Bar — with its wine flights paired with cheese, charcuterie or chocolate — closed since the pandemic hit.
Next to the Four Seasons Hotel, the two-level building at 2810 Pennsylvania Ave. NW is under renovation for the luxe jeweler, founded in 2004 and purchased by investment holding company Compass Diversified last year for $256 million.
“For over a decade we have sought to deliver one-of-a-kind jewelry through special, curated experiences that stand apart from mainstream jewelry buying experiences,” Moti Ferder, co-founder and CEO of Lugano, told investors. “With this dedication to high-quality and authentic connections with our consumers, we have built a loyal, long-term consumer base …”
In addition to the upcoming Georgetown location, Lugano has four other retail shops: Newport Beach and Aspen as well as Palm Beach and Ocala, Florida.
In: Hobo ‘Thrilled’ to Open in Georgetown
The leather accessories brand, Hobo, announced it is “thrilled to expand into Washington, D.C., with the opening of a Georgetown store, which is its second retail location in the U.S.”
“The female-founded, family-run accessories company rooted in community, craft, quality and functionality,” as it calls itself, opened Sept. 30 at 1265 Wisconsin Ave. NW in the former John Fluevog space.
“Georgetown holds a special place in my heart,” says Koren Ray, Hobo’s co-founder and chief visionary officer. “My lifelong love of craft was born in my mom’s iconic sandal shop in Georgetown in the 1970s. The new store will embody our brand’s ethos, creating an inviting environment that showcases our signature colors, textures and styles and celebrates our unwavering commitment to creating quality leather goods made to last. We are proud to be putting down retail roots in the heart of the Georgetown community.”
Hobo bags began in 1991 in Annapolis. In the ’70s and ’80s, Toni Ray worked at Georgetown Leather Design.
Hobo opened Sept. 30 at 1265 Wisconsin Ave. NW in the former John Fluevog space. Georgetowner photo.
Coming: Zzzzz … Sleep Number
Minnesota-based Sleep Number, which makes the Sleep Number and Comfortaire beds, is setting up shop at 1239 Wisconsin Ave. NW. The adjustable bed company had revenues of $1.856 billion last year — and, as of 2018, employed 4,220 persons across the U.S.
The building once housed the Loft and, before that, Ann Taylor.
Out: Petit Soeur Shop
Pâtissier Ashleigh Pearson’s Wisconsin Avenue boutique, Petite Soeur, which opened in October, has closed. Pearson honed her chocolate-making techniques at Thomas Keller’s famed Per Se in New York City, and her pastry skills reflect training at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and her work at D.C.’s Marcel’s. Pearson’s bonbons can be ordered online but are no longer available at 1332 Wisconsin Ave. NW.
Out: Riccardi Finally Moves
Yes, they finally did it — really moved, as a storefront sign had warned for months. Founded in 1983, Riccardi Clothier at 1363 Wisconsin Ave. NW, a men’s clothing shop with Italian suits and more has closed. But, fear not, part of the retail business and inventory has moved across the street to 1404 Wisconsin Ave. NW, which also houses GT Vapes & More.
Out: Ernesto Santalla
The office of Ernesto Santalla PLLC has departed 3144 Dumbarton St. NW. The firm, which specializes in architecture and interior design as well as furniture and graphics, was founded by and named after architect and interior designer Ernesto Santalla, who was born in Cuba and received an architecture degree from Cornell University in 1984. Notes the firm: “Since then, Ernesto has contributed to the changing skyline of D.C. and worked on projects in the United States, Puerto Rico and Europe. His work has been widely published and received numerous awards.”
The address formerly held the Dumbarton Pharmacy.
