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Friday, September 03, 2010
Major Retail Coming to Columbia Heights
Columbia Heights is poised to become the shopping destination for the entire Washington, DC area. Hundreds of thousands of square feet of retail space are in the works including DC USA, a 500,000 sq. ft. retail complex that will include major retailers such as Target, Best Buy, Bed Bath and Beyond, and possibly Whole Foods Market! More exciting retailers are planning to open in the newly renovated Tivoli Square and other developments across Columbia Heights. Read more in the Retail News section.
We just received word that REI, a national outdoor adventure retailer, is pursuing a location at the DC USA. From what we understand, REI is vying for the same retail space that Whole Foods Market gave up and Ross Dress For Less is now negotiating with developers for.
This is an exciting new development for Columbia Heights and the entire District. A major outdoor adventure retailer is badly needed in the District. The only such store that comes to mind is Hudson Trail Outfitters in Tenley Circle. It would be all the sweeter if such a store opens in our neighborhood. If REI does come to the DC USA, it would be the first location in DC. Currently, the closest REI location is in Falls Church, VA. We know a number of DC outdoor adventurers who make regular pilgrimages to that location.
We will try to bring you more information and find the best way for those of you interested in REI to show your support.
For more information about REI, you can visit its website at REI.com.
Comments
email info to express support Written by Euclid Resident on 2008-02-17 12:24:40To show your support, I would suggest emailing Jim Graham and Grid Properties. Here are the relevant emails:
I suggest a brief and respectful email to the effect of "I write to express my support for an Ellwood Thomon's and an REI at the DCUSA project. The community badly needs another grocery store because the existing stores are overcrowded and/or of low quality. In addition, the prospect of an REI store has already generated enthusiatic support in the community. This store will bring a diversity of retail options to the project and attract customers from all over the city. I hope you will consider community input as you make decisions about leasing the space. Thank you."
Written by DCzSlimmest on 2008-02-17 18:30:21That's incredible news!!! I can't imagine why someone would support a Ross over an REI, particularly when a Marshalls is soon to open. Seems to me, the people who are most critical of high-end retail claiming purely altruistic reasons should also consider that all those stores sell discounted designer fashions. You know, the same fashions typically manufactured in some of the poorest and most exploited places on the planet. Atleast REI encourages a greater appreciation for the outdoors. All we need is a book store now.
every heard of City Place Mall? Written by
on 2008-02-17 20:14:02Ross??? god no...have these developers ever heard of City Place Mall in Silver Spring? it was a huge failure and now sits as a huge eyesore in Silver Spring. bad tenant mix catered to lower demographics and set Silver Spring back years...please please dont make that mistake here!!
"HIGH QUALITY RETAIL WITH INDOOR PARKIN Written by DC for CH! on 2008-02-17 21:53:55Let's review that phrase again: "HIGH QUALITY RETAIL..." Remember, this is what is plastered on all of the advertising for DCUSA. Since when is Ross high-quality retail? Is Marshall's high-quality retail? NO! They both are off-price retailers who specialize in irregularly-sized and fitted, low quality items that does NOT meet the designer's quality levels. That is how the designer's get rid of their merchandise and why both these places are in business. I want "HIGH QUALITY RETAIL" as advertised. I think this borders on bait-and-switch tactics and false advertising.
So what is high quality? How about this: 1). Standing behind all products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee; 2). Designing a line of award-winning brand gear and clothing; 3). Donating millions of dollars each year to support conservation efforts nationwide; 4). Sending scores of volunteers to build trails, clean up beaches, and teach outdoor ethics to kids thereby reducing environmental footprints; 5). Being the nation's largest consumer cooperative with more than three million active members; 6). Earning a place on FORTUNE magazine's list of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" every year since the rankings began in 1998. Is this high quality? Absolutely... this is REI! (from www.REI.com)
I moved to CH because I expect and was sold on "HIGH QUALITY RETAIL" coming to CH. Any overzealous lawyers out there? Yes, this may sound extreme and over-exaggerated but I am sick of people pushing the "gentrification is bad" theme. Gentrification = "the buying and renovation of houses and stores in deteriorated urban neighborhoods by upper- or middle-income families or individuals, thus improving property values but often displacing low-income families and small businesses." (from www.dictionary.com) This is called progress and I want to be a part of it because I invested my time and money into this neighborhood, unlike the people who left CH a virtual trash and drug dump. (Did you now CH was once a vibrant upper-class getaway from DC?... read the history about CH).
I am sick of picking up trash everyday in my yard because some "low quality" person can't find the garbage can. I'm sick of coming off of the metro to witness some "low quality" person urinating on the side of the metro entrance. I am sick and tired of gang violence and gun shots ringing almost weekly because some low quality people are gang-banging. I can go on and on. Hopefully, you see my point... low quality retailers breed low quality people.
I like to live in the city so I can enjoy it... the shops, the neighborhood feeling, the people. I want to bring that feeling back to the city... that is the attraction of the city for me. I once thought DCUSA was a good idea (although the name is just awful) but now, I regret moving here. If a Ross clenches the deal, I'll be heading back to Logan/U Street.
REI comes to DC Written by Holmead Homesteaders on 2008-02-17 22:02:07Long time listener, first time poster... the prospect of REI filling the retail space in the new mall instead of Ross just made my day. CH would become a destination for all outdoor enthusiasts throughout the district, and would put us on the map. A GREAT idea.
I wanna feel special Written by I luv CH on 2008-02-17 22:27:47I would love to have REI and Ellwood in DC USA. In a community that is searchig for an identity, these stores will help set us apart.
Written by Joe on 2008-02-18 09:04:17??
Written by Park Road Guy on 2008-02-18 09:06:29Hopefully the developer of the high-end Kenyon Square and Highland Park is listening. They will lose their a-- if DC USA becomes a discount mall.
Written by Good Government on 2008-02-18 09:24:04REI to the rescue! The addition of REI will expand DCUSA's client base and encourage similar businesses to open in columbia heights. These are some of the critical elements for the long-term success of area retail.
City officials should be reminded that more shoppers translates to higher sales tax revenue for the city. Moreover, the perception that CH is a place where business can thrive will cause greater demand for retail space in the area, which creates growth in property values -- more property tax revenue for the city. The increases in sales and property tax revenue can be used to improve schools and city infrastructure in the most blighted areas of DC. Help DCUSA realize its potential.
Response from Grid Properties Written by RJH on 2008-02-18 13:20:13While its important to email all of those contacts listed above, I received the following from Grip Properties asking that we contact REI:
Quote:
It would be most helpful if you and your friends and colleagues would contact REI directly. They are new to urban markets and need to hear directly from their potential customers.
I've sent a note to REI via this link: http://www.rei.com/shared/help/feedback/servicefb.html
I got a reply, but a somewhat generic one, sadly (a human generated reply nonetheless). I'm searching around for a more specific contact at REI at present - I'll post something if I find it.
We just received word that REI, a national outdoor adventure retailer, is pursuing a location at the DC USA. From what we understand, REI is vying for the same retail space that Whole Foods Market gave up and Ross Dress For Less is now negotiating with developers for. 