Business Ins & Outs: Nisolo; Ching Ching Cha, Say Cheese!
By • January 17, 2023 0 1895
In: Nisolo on M
Started in 2011, Nisolo is an eco-friendly, sustainable, living-wage shoe brand. Founder Patrick Woodyard is all about the artisans getting their classic products to market in a fair manner. Their second-ever store opened at 3251 M St. NW. The company’s flagship store is located in Nashville’s Buchanan Arts District — with a main factory in Peru.
“The expansion to D.C. is critical to this business with advocacy and environmentalism at the heart,” the company told The Georgetowner. “Surrounded by the trailblazers and policy-changers in D.C.’s bustling metropolis, the store is bound to catch the attention of politicians and civilians alike. Nisolo is often seen on the feet of key opinion leaders like Busy Phillips, Olivia Wilde, Emma Watson, Sophia Bush, Lance Bass and Emannuelle Chriqui.”
In: Sleep Number
Minnesota-based Sleep Number, which makes the Sleep Number and Comfortaire beds, has set up shop at 1239 Wisconsin Ave. NW, next to the Apple store. 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.
In: The Showroom
The Showroom at 1363 Wisconsin Ave. NW has taken over the former space of the shuttered Riccardi Clothier. This sneaker boutique buys and sells shoes.
Moved: Washington Printmakers Gallery
Welcome and say hello to Washington Printmakers Gallery — “The greater DC metro area’s primary source for contemporary fine art prints and photographs” — at its new location at 1675 Wisconsin Ave. NW, next door to A Mano. Open 11a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday; noon to 4 p.m., Sundays. “On those days, we also have artist demonstrations and talks,” we’re told.
Out: Vans, ‘Off the Wall’
The classic sneaker store, Vans “Off the Wall,” at 3239 M St. NW shut its doors the last day of 2022. Nearby stores at Pentagon City and Montgomery Mall remain. Fun business name fact: “Off The Wall” was a term coined when skateboarders in the mid ’70s were landing new tricks in empty pools by literally skating off the wall. At that time, skateboarders were outcasts of society who expressed themselves through the style of their sport.
Out: Ching Ching Cha to Close Jan. 29
After 25 years, Ching Ching Cha tea house and shop at 1063 Wisconsin Ave. NW will leave Georgetown on Jan. 29. “Our decision to close the tea house came sadly after I met with the two young landlords in April,” business owner Hollie Wong told her customers in a letter. “Ching Ching Cha has always been a dream for me and together we made it happen. Along with every one of my staff and with your support — ching ching cha has been standing for a quarter century!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing this experience with me and sharing my love of the tea house. We bid farewell now to Georgetown — to be continued in Dupont ….”
Out (Soon): Say Cheese!
The project known as 2900 M will soon force the neighborhood favorite Say Cheese! at 1132 29th St. NW to move out for the major reconstruction of most of the southern side of the 2900 block of M Street. Business owner Suzy Nabil is seeking a new place for serving her grilled cheese sandwiches, salads and soups. Most stores will be emptying by the end of March — including Ike Behar.
Out (Temporarily): Diptyque
Diptyque, the luxury French fragrance brand, which opened a store at 3273 M St. NW in October, is temporarily closed — with its windows papered over and interior under full reconstruction. Expected reopening is in the spring. The brand is best known for its high-end candles but also offers eau de parfum, eau de toilette and perfume oil diffusers. There are also bath and body products.
