Zara has received a permit valued at more than $500,000 as it prepares to open its first two-level store in Maryland at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda.
As we reported in October, Zara is relocating within the mall from its current space on the lower level of the Nordstrom wing to the former Gap and Gap Kids space on the upper level. Plans expanded to include the lower level directly beneath it, creating the retailer’s first two-level Maryland location.
The move keeps the international fashion retailer in one of the mall’s highest-traffic areas while providing a significantly larger and more modern footprint to showcase its men’s, women’s, and children’s collections.
Gap and Gap Kids permanently closed in July 2025 after operating at Westfield Montgomery Mall for more than two decades. The longtime retailers had been staples of the shopping center, serving generations of families before their closures reflected a broader national consolidation by Gap Inc. The company continues to operate Montgomery County locations at Clarksburg Premium Outlets, Pike & Rose in North Bethesda, and The Collection at Chevy Chase.
Founded in Spain in 1974, Zara has grown into one of the world’s largest fashion retailers as part of the Inditex Group. Known for its fast-fashion business model, the brand frequently refreshes its collections with trend-driven apparel and emphasizes a modern shopping experience that integrates online and in-store retail.
According to a store employee, the new Zara is expected to open by the end of the year. The retailer will continue operating from its current location until the new two-level store is ready to welcome shoppers.
