Business Ins & Outs: M.M.LaFleur, Sézane, Wingo’s; Big Wheel Bikes
By • April 22, 2024 0 1256
In: Sézane to Open May 3
The ladies are impressed. Sézane is set to open May 3 at 1211 Wisconsin Ave. NW in the former Tory Burch store. The French fashion brand is known for its timeless, elegant designs — “and signature pieces are crafted with quality materials and attention to detail,” wrote one reviewer.
The 10-year-old company is the height of Parisian cool — and is offering an opening day contest. We’re told: “This spring, Sézane is packing our bags for Washington, D.C. Our newest pop-up — a piece of Paris in the heart of Georgetown — is officially opening on May 3rd. Spread the word… As excited as we are? Share the news with a friend here and you’ll each be entered to win a $1,000 Sézane voucher to redeem online or in store at our D.C. pop-up. Three winners will be selected on May 3rd. Bonne chance!
Contest rules can be found here.”
In: M.M.LaFleur to Open May 8
Getting ready to open at 1344 Wisconsin Ave. NW at the corner that once held Doc Dalinsky’s legendary Georgetown Pharmacy is the women’s clothing store, M.M.LaFleur — ala the “Power Casual” concept of dressing.
“Founder and CEO, Sarah LaFleur, got her start as a management consultant,” the company tells us. “Frustrated by a lack of women’s workwear options that were both stylish and practical, she teamed up with Miyako Nakamura (the former head designer of Zac Posen) and Narie Foster to launch M.M.LaFleur in 2013. Since then, we’ve grown into a team of go-getters who are committed to creating a better future for women. Miyako serves as our Chief Creative Officer, and her high-end design sensibility is a beautiful complement to Sarah’s focus on practicality.”
Wingo’s at 3207 O St. NW. Georgetowner photo.
In: Wingo’s
Rejoice, neighbors and students! Wingo’s finally reopened in its original location at 3207 O St. NW. The popular chicken carry-out — known for buffalo and hot wings, burgers, along with spicy French fries — was shuttered for years after a June 2018 fire.
In: Olfactory NYC
Olfactory NYC opened two weeks ago at 3242 M St. NW, in the space which once held Marine Layer (it’s relocating) and, before that, Godiva Chocolates. Its first retail boutique in Washington, D.C., Olfactory NYC has three spots in New York City and one in Boston. The company tells us: “Founded in New York City by JJ Vittoria in 2017, Olfactory NYC is a revolutionary new concept in modern fine fragrance. Curated by the world’s top perfumers, using the highest quality natural and sustainable ingredients found in the finest luxury brands, the team allows customers to create their own personalized fragrance.”
In: New Balance
New Balance, the sports footwear and apparel manufacturer, opened last week at 3139 M St. NW — in the former Old Glory BBQ and, more recently, José Andrés’s restaurant, America Eats Tavern. Founded in 1906 in Boston, the footwear company seeks to give its customers greater orthopedic support with 3D scans of feet to help choose the best fit.
Moved: Hela Medical Spa
Founded by Dr. Jonathan Drysdale more than 17 years ago, Hela Medical Spa is known for its skincare, aesthetic and regenerative medicine and body contouring. After a fire in August at its original location, the business moved one block east across M Street — 3128 M St. NW, on the third floor, penthouse level — in the Buck Mason building.
End of an era: Big Wheel Bikes on 33rd Street has closed. Georgetowner photo.
Out: Big Wheel Bikes
It’s the end of an era. Serving D.C., Maryland and Virginia since 1971, Big Wheel Bikes has been family-owned and -operated for more than 50 years — and known for bike rentals, sales and mechanical service. Last week, its Georgetown shop at 1034 33rd St. NW, next to the C&O Canal, closed. Its Bethesda location has also closed. The Arlington and Old Town shops remain open.
