Georgetown Is Hot to Shop
By • December 6, 2023 One Comment 905
Our Fashion Editor Allyson Burkhardt, holiday shopping at The Four Seasons last December. Cover photo of The Georgetowner, Dec. 7, 2022. Photo by Fred “Fritz” Blakey of Fritz Photographics.
Last week, WTOP News ran an upbeat story, headlined “Georgetown sees solid year despite retail, restaurant shuttering in DC,” and concluded “2023 has been a solid year for one of the District’s oldest and most established dining and shopping destinations. While 27 restaurants and retail stores in Georgetown have closed this year, including Banana Republic, Bangkok Joe’s and two bank branches, openings have far outpaced closings.”
“Our vacancy rates on the restaurant and retail side are back down to where they were pre-pandemic,” Faith Broderick, economic development director for the Georgetown Business Improvement District, told WTOP. “This year alone, we have had over 55 retail and restaurants open, and we expect around 30 to 40 more to open next year.”
We know that — and so do business owners who want to locate in Georgetown. And, more importantly, people want to come here to shop, dine and play. Yes, this town remains popular — and another publication called it “cool” a few months ago.
“Georgetown is on track to see 12 million visitors this year, more than twice the 14th Street Corridor or The Wharf, and more than three times Bethesda Row and Union Market,” reported WTOP, which added that “about 60 percent of businesses in Georgetown are locally owned” and the “true vacant” rate of its commercial properties is six percent.
We certainly celebrate our longtime businesses like Martin’s Tavern (90 years), Filomena Ristorante (40 years) Cafe Milano (30 years) and Georgetown Tobacco. The town boasts 1789, Apéro, Bourbon Steak, Cut, Das, La Chaumiere, Tony & Joe’s, Chez Billy Sud, Fiola Mare, Peacock Cafe, Clyde’s, Kyojin, 1310 Kitchen, Lutèce, L’Avant-Garde and Yellow — with a few great ones coming up as well.
Georgetowner photo.
What makes Georgetown so appealing is evident if you take a partial tour of stores, starting around Wisconsin Avenue and M Street, walking north. We can visit Vineyard Vines, Veronica Beard, Zadig & Voltaire, Ralph Lauren, Kendra Scott, Hobo, Random Harvest, Shop Made in DC, L.A. Burdick Chocolates, Take Care, Tugooh Toys, Lili the First. Or, check out the new stores on O Street — Manse, Georgetown Garden Shop, Arcay Chocolates — and favorites on P Street — Just Paper & Tea and Ella-Rue. These are beautiful stores, and some are especially beautiful. They have beautiful offerings as well. Walk right in, say hello and get someone a very special Christmas gift. (Choices abound in many directions. Other spots to enjoy: M Street, east or west, Washington Harbour, Book Hill, Cady’s Alley and upper Georgetown.)
Georgetown is a place to wander around, to bring your friends and family. It can be quite enchanting — and bustling with different kinds of people. So, be sure to check out The Georgetowner’s new interactive map, “Discover Georgetown,” which shows where to shop, eat, play and go. Happy Holidays and happy shopping!
Terrific news: pro-pedestrian policies like streeteries and expanded sidewalks are drawing droves of shoppers to our businesses. Georgetown is thriving!