Business Ins & Outs: Alkova, Streets Market, Intermix
By • April 3, 2023 0 2162
In: Alkova, Yoga Co-working
Alkova opened at 1510 Wisconsin Ave. NW and offers yoga in a co-working setting — “We’ve created a place where you can peacefully work, practice yoga, or both. This space, like an alcove in a city, is a respite from the disconnection present in the outside world. While we can’t control all external chaos, we can provide the tools for you to create an inner oasis, wherever you go.”
One package offers unlimited co-working daily passes and yoga classes for $500 per month (an extra $250 per month provides a private office). Temporary passes are available.
In: Villa Yara, Lebanese Delight
Villa Yara opened over the weekend in the former Le Pain Quotidien at 2815 M St. NW. The restaurant serves Mediterranean and Lebanese cuisine — with seating up to 119, including a garden in the back. Early reviews are enthusiastic.
In: Scotch & Soda, Not the Drink
The Scotch & Soda clothing store returned to Georgetown on March 31. Originally on M Street, the shop is now at 1214 Wisconsin Ave NW, next to El Centro.
Says the company: “Born in Amsterdam, our men, women and kids’ collections are the ultimate expressions of creative freedom. From eclectic statements to richly detailed essentials, we unite original design with clever functionality to bring you a modern, versatile wardrobe that lasts. … Our collections can be found globally at 224 freestanding stores and 7,000 doors in some of the world’s biggest cities, including New York, London and Paris. We also ship online to over 70 countries.” Say hello during its opening weeks and receive a Knot Tote with a $200+ purchase.
In: Streets Market to Open April 14 on P St.
Streets Market — a local chain of small grocery stores that operates in such neighborhoods as Adams Morgan, Cleveland Park, NOMA and West End — is set to open in the former 7-Eleven space at 2617 P St. NW at Herring Hill. Word on the street has the opening set for Friday, April 14. Some fancy food items are already being delivered to the store.
Returning: Wingo’s
Wingo’s chicken shack at 3207 O St. NW is finally flying back to its original coop after a fire shut it down in 2018.
The original Wingo’s at 3207 O St. NW as seen in March 2023. Georgetowner photo.
Out: Intermix … RIP
We know a few fashionable ladies who are not happy.
The Georgetown Intermix store at 3300 M St. NW closed suddenly on March 29, along with most other Intermix locations. The Georgetown woman’s fashion spot stood prominently at the corner of 33rd & M since 2012, after moving west from the Georgetown Park complex.
“Intermix saga continues,” according to Yahoo News: “The multibrand retailer, which is now owned by private equity firm Regent LLP, has closed 17 of its stores, with five still operating.
“Sources claim Regent’s plan for Intermix is to file Chapter 11, renegotiate the leases, reopen some of the stores, then start up again immediately as a new company.
“Officials at Regent LP in Beverly Hills didn’t return several phone calls seeking comment. The Intermix office in New York appears to have closed, and sources said only one buyer is left.
“We are advising our clients to sit back and wait until there’s a resolution,” said Gary Wassner, chief executive officer of Hilldun Corp., which factors many of the brands that sell Intermix. He said there are five stores open. He has also told his clients not to ship the retailer. He said there’s a lot of uncertainty in the market until Regent reveals its plans.
“Last month, Wassner told WWD that he had paid all of his clients and began approving new orders for Intermix, as reported.
“According to employees at the stores, they were closed suddenly, and there was no warning or severance.
One former store employee posted on her Instagram account, ‘RIP INTERMIX…20+ stores…100+ employees laid off with zero notice on Sunday, Monday corporate was fired and Tuesday they officially changed there [sic] name to Intermix Global…no severance, no insurance, no payouts, pre-meditated, no loyalty…’
“Calls to stores in places such as Boca Raton, Florida, and Greenwich, Connecticut, had an answering machine that picked up, saying, “Sorry you cannot leave a message” for that number. Nobody answered the phone at Intermix in SoHo.
“The five stores remaining open are 1003 Madison Avenue in New York; Palm Beach, Florida; Brickell City Centre in Miami; Scottsdale, Arizona, and Beverly Hills”
