Business Ins & Outs: Brompton Bikes, Pure Sweat, StudioLab RD
By • April 1, 2024 0 1126
In: Brompton Bikes Opens Today
Brompton Bikes has opened its Georgetown shop at 1214 Wisconsin Ave. NW in the former Scotch & Soda clothing store. Brompton tells us: In 1975, Andrew Ritchie, a young engineer in London, “invented a bike with an ingenious three-part fold. A lightweight vehicle that transformed into a small locked package in under 20 seconds. A bike that you could take anywhere. A ‘magic carpet for the city.’ ”
There’s a cherry blossom-themed fold-up bicycle at the store available for a test ride. Walk or bike by and say hello to Aaron. You’ve got lots of time to consider getting a new bike before Bike to Work Day on May 17.
In: Robin Davisson’s ‘Spring Palette’
StudioLab RD at 1037 33rd St. NW is hosting an opening reception for its exhibit, “Spring’s Palette: A Celebration of Abstract Expression,” 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, April 4. Artists Robin Davisson and Martha Spak are showing their paintings together for the first time — on view April 1 through May 5. After visiting Davisson’s gallery, check out the new interactive flower sculpture in nearby Cady’s Alley, also part of the exhibit.
In: Martin’s Reopens After Renovation
It’s like you never left … Martin’s Tavern — closed on Feb. 26 for renovation — is now open again. Georgetown’s 90-year-old iconic restaurant got a new kitchen, owner Billy Martin told The Georgetowner, along with a redone floor, refurnished booths and new tables and chairs. It looks just like you remember it … only better.
Out: Showfields at 31st & M
Showfields closed its doors at 3077 M St. NW last month. Opening around Christmas 2022 in the former Brooks Brothers space as well as retail incubator, Concept 31/M space, Showfields called itself “a lifestyle discovery store” and “the most interesting store in the world.”
At its Georgetown debut, Showfields CEO and co-founder Tal Zvi Nathanel said, “This store is a great example of how we approach the future of retail — we can take a heritage retail space, re-work it, and create an entirely new environment that’s wholly unique but at its core nostalgic for a classic shopping experience.”
The Georgetown store — occupied a roughly 20,300-square-foot space, owned by real estate developer EastBanc — was the fourth store for Showfields. Its other stores are in Manhattan, Miami and Brooklyn.
