Businesses

Bethesda

New Toy Store Now Open in Montgomery Mall

By Patrick Herron

Alex Baby and Toys, a new concept from FYE, is now open in Montgomery Mall. The store is located downstairs next to Old Navy.  According to Westfield Montgomery, “from legos and baby essentials to LOL’s and STEM, they are your one-stop-shop for all things play.” We’re told the store offers toys for all ages, not just toddlers and young children.

According to Billboard, FYE was purchased by Sunrise Records in 2020. Sunrise paid $10 million to take over ownership of the 200-store chain. The purchase included assuming some of the chain’s liabilities including, accounts payable, store leases, and the chain’s frequent buyer membership program while also gaining a target inventory of $40 million. It also took on all FYE employees. FYE closed its Wheaton Mall location in January 2019 and its Lakeforest Mall location one year later in January of 2020. There is another Alex Baby and Toys listed as being in Holyoke Mall at Ingleside in Massachusetts, but the phone number is not currently active, so it may also be opening soon.

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Bethesda

New Marriott International Headquarters and Hotel in Bethesda Named Maryland Economic Development ‘Project of the Year’

By Patrick Herron

Marriott International appreciated the award that reflects the detail that went into the project.

“Marriott is excited to move into our new Downtown Bethesda headquarters this summer and to carry on the proud legacy that has been built in Montgomery County, a community we have called home for more than 65 years,” said Carolyn B. Handlon, executive vice president and global treasurer of Marriott International, who accepted the award on behalf of the company. “We’re delighted with the recognition as Maryland’s ‘Project of the Year.’ We believe our new headquarters is truly the right place for our team of associates. We’ll be joining a vigorous and diverse community whose lively urban setting is exciting for all of us. As a proud corporate citizen, you can expect to see us continue to participate, volunteer and contribute to local and state civic life, including through our global social impact and sustainability platform, Serve 360.”

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Bethesda

Under Armor in Montgomery Mall to Close for Remodeling, Temporary Location Announced

By Patrick Herron

Under Armor in Montgomery Mall (7101 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda) will be closing for several months beginning on April 26 for remodeling.

During this time, Under Armor will have a temporary location in the mall at the former site of Sports Nation, which closed back in February. The temporary store is expected to be open a few days after the main location closes and will feature a majority of their inventory, except for kids clothing.

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Gaithersburg

Saints Row Brewing’s Rockville Location Now Closed, New Olde Towne Gaithersburg Location Opening in May

By Patrick Herron

Saints Row Brewing’s Rockville taproom served its last beer this past Saturday, April 16, as the brewery is moving to a new location in to Old Towne Gaithersburg, which is scheduled to open in May.

Saints Row will be taking over the former Brawling Bear production and taproom facilities at 15 Fulks Corner Ave. Brawling Bear ceased operations in 2020.

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Derwood

Local Dollar Tree Stores to Add $3 and $5 Items

By Patrick Herron

National chain Dollar Tree, which has MoCo locations in Damascus, Derwood, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Montgomery Village, Rockville, and Silver Spring, has begun adding “Dollar Tree Plus” sections to area stores. Items in the “Plus” section will be priced $3 and $5.  New higher priced items include cookware, headphones, chargers, and t-shirts (Baby Yoda, Lilo & Stich, etc.)  similar to those found at FiveBelow.

In January, Dollar Tree raised the price of all items in their stores from $1 to $1.25. The company said the price hike was not a result of inflation, but rather to “allow the company to offer a wider range of merchandise.” Regarding the new “Plus” pricing, Dollar Tree’s President and CEO Michael Witynski  said, “For decades, our customers have enjoyed the ‘thrill-of-the-hunt’ for value at one dollar – and we remain committed to that core proposition – but many are telling us that they also want a broader product assortment when they come to shop. We believe testing additional price points above $1 for Dollar Tree product will enable us over time to expand our assortments, introduce new products and meet more of our customers’ everyday needs.”

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Beyond MoCo

Lerner Family to Explore Selling the Washington Nationals Baseball Franchise 

By Patrick Herron

Update: Sale price of team in 2006 was corrected to $450 million.

The Washington Post has reported that the Lerner family has begun the process of exploring possible changes to the team’s ownership structure, including the possibility of selling the team.  Current Chevy Chase resident Ted Lerner, 96, purchased the team from Major League Baseball in 2006 for $450,000,000.

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Silver Spring

Silver Spring: Weller’s Dry Cleaning to Close on April 23

By Patrick Herron

Weller’s Dry Cleaning at 8237 Fenton St. in Silver Spring will permanently close on April 23, according to a report by Source of the Spring. Signage on the front door refers customers to Kessler’s Cleaners at 1304 East West Hwy in Silver Spring. Built in 1960, the dry cleaner was opened by Charles Weller, who ran the dry cleaner for over 50 years. The location is known for maintaining its original 1960’s design/architecture.

Photos courtesy of the Silver Spring Historical Society:

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Gaithersburg

Gaithersburg: Hakky Shoe Repair in Lakeforest Mall Has Closed

By Patrick Herron

After 33 years, Hakky Shoe Repair in Lakeforest Mall has closed. In addition to professional shoe repair, the location also repaired handbags and leather goods, as well as provided on-site key copying services.

We’re told the owners are retiring and moving back to Korea to enjoy living with family and friends.

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