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Saturday, February 04, 2012
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
Written by David on 2008-02-20 09:55:50From the mailing lists
"I emailed REI to voice my support for a store in Columbia Heights. REI responded and said they had no plans for a store in Columbia Heights."
I am curious to know what level of effort you all went to in order to confirm prior to posting your story.
Is This For Real? Written by Geezer on 2008-02-20 11:02:06I know a lot of my neighbors would be thrilled to have and REI and I would like to "put the word out" to send e-mails in support, but as the previous poster mentions, I would like some confirmation that this is not pure "wishful thinking". Can we get some background on this?
Written by mad clamor on 2008-02-20 12:21:19In the forum, alaaro points to an email from the president of Ellwood Thompson's as the source of this info. That thread is here.
It at least appears that Ryan Youngman knows something, which I would guess came from Grid Properties. But really, who knows. I'd imagine that Jim Graham (
) could confirm, though.
Written by RJH on 2008-02-20 12:46:28I think evidence shows there is some degree of interest. When I emailed Grid Properties, they at least acknowledged REI interest by saying:
Quote:
Thanks for your e-mail. 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.
If you are sending emails, don't forget to contact Grid Properties and Jim Graham too:
Written by Upendra on 2008-02-20 13:25:22There's also an REI in College Park, Md., which isn't too far away. It's even metro accessible from the green line.
REI in DC USA, Ellwood Thompson in Alleg Written by
on 2008-02-20 16:32:11Organic market out my backdoor, tents and fleeces out my front.
metro to college park!? Written by Neil on 2008-02-20 18:17:20Upendra - the college park rei is not what I would call metro accessible. college park is large, and the rei is (as the crow flies) much closer to the inaccessible greenbelt metro station. you'd need to take the 83, which tends to run only once every half hour. It's probably more convenient to go (back) to Rockville.
REI in Columbia Heights would be my girlfriend's dream.
Written by
on 2008-02-22 21:35:46See the article I posted here: http://columbiaheightsnews.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=644
REI is mentioned in the article as a possible tenant looking for space, so this is a possibility. If REI customer service folks are saying no, they likely aren't in the loop about it.
Hype Marketing??? Written by Where's the proof? on 2008-02-22 23:24:36Due to the inconsistent array of feedback from REI, I'm unfortunately feeling like the DC USA "developers" (i.e Grid Properties, Gotham Organization, Development Corporation of Columbia Heights, National Capital Revitalization Corporation) in concert with "Columbia Heights News" are collectively using this site's feedback as fodder to "test" the waters for potential tenants for DC USA because it's getting close to "opening day" for Target. I hope that this type of hype marketing is not the case, but I would like to see some type of official "intent to lease" letter from REI stating that, in fact, they are pursuing negotiations. Otherwise, let's move on... Borders? Barnes & Noble? Anyone else? Is anyone doing their job?
Written by Confused???? on 2008-02-23 09:13:26Read the article....it said Ross, Ellwood and REI are all competing for the same space. For the purposes of a better retail mix, we can do without (Marshalls).
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. 
