Business Ins & Outs: Barnes & Noble, Georgetown Veterinary, Marcel’s
By May 6, 2024 0 1292
•M St. Barnes & Noble Restored, June 26
Gone from Georgetown since 2011, the United States’ largest bookstore chain will return to its original location at 3040 M St. NW, having signed a 33,754-square-foot lease for the same three floors last year, as previously reported. Barnes & Noble announced the reopening date, June 26, on its latest update on Instagram. As expected, the store will sell books, newspapers, magazines, music and gifts — and contain a café.
Georgetown Veterinary Hospital Reopens May 6 on Prospect Street
After more than 65 years as a veterinary clinic and 23 years as the Georgetown Veterinary Hospital, under the leadership of Dr. Lee Morgan, the well-known spot for animal care at 2916 M St. NW has moved to 3251 Prospect St. NW, on the ground level inside the courtyard. That space is part of the Georgetown Court complex that includes Cafe Milano, Peacock Café and Brasserie Liberté. (No word about dogs and cats getting any fancy leftovers.)
In: Sézane from Paris
The ladies are impressed. Sézane opened May 3 at 1211 Wisconsin Ave. NW, in the former Tory Burch store. The 10-year-old 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.
In: M.M.LaFleur Opens Wednesday
Opening on May 8 at 1344 Wisconsin Ave. NW — on the corner that once held “Doc” Dalinsky’s legendary Georgetown Pharmacy — is women’s clothing store M.M.LaFleur, home of the “Power Casual” look.
“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.”
Soon: Club Pilates
A Club Pilates will open soon in the former Paddywax Candle Bar space — the second floor above South Moon Under — at 1065 Wisconsin Ave. NW. The mind-body exercise regimen has been a “movement of movement” since the early 20th century. Now with more than 600 franchises in North America, the boutique fitness company, based in Irvine, California, was founded in 2007 in San Diego.
Out: Marcel’s (by Mother’s Day)
After celebrating the 25th anniversary of his flagship restaurant at 2401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW — three blocks from Georgetown — in March, Robert Wiedmaier will close Marcel’s, his fine-dining standout, on May 12.
One of Washington’s most respected chefs, Wiedmaier wrote: “Despite our best efforts, Marcel’s was unable to reach lease terms with the new building owner and will not be renewing its lease. Marcel’s is the flagship of the RW Restaurant Group, which has opened over 10 brands with three locations still open in Maryland and Virginia and soon to be four when Mussel Bar & Grille in Bethesda opens next month. We owe a debt of gratitude to our dedicated staff, past and present, whose talent and hard work have contributed to Marcel’s success over the years.”
Out: 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 with a fair deal. Nisolo’s second-ever store, which opened at 3251 M St. NW, is now closed. The company’s flagship is in Nashville.