H & M Opening, Sweet Themez Bakery Moving

Swedish clothing chain H&M will open its newest DC store today (Aug 7) in Dupont. The 28,000 sq ft space, at 1133 Connecticut Ave NW, was previously filled by Filene's Basement. This will be the 2nd H&M on the 42 bus line; the other is in Metro Center at 11th and F Sts NW. The new store on Connecticut is opening at Noon today, August 7. They are offering these specials for tomorrow today only; from the Facebook page: 

"Join us on August 7th at noon for the launch of our brand new store at 1133 Connecticut Ave. in Washington, DC.

If you're one of the first 100 shoppers in line then you will receive an all access fashion pass valued up to $300 off your entire purchase.

Bring in old garments to be recycled before the store opens at noon for the chance to win an H&M gift card valued between $50 and $100!"

After today, store hours will be 10:00AM - 9:00PM on Monday-Saturday and 11:00AM - 8:00PM.

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Sweet Themez seems to have temporarily closed on 18th St NW in Adams Morgan. The lower level space at 2318 18th St NW is being advertised as for lease. Sweet Themez has posted a sign in the window indicating that they were moving, but not to where. If I find out more, I'll post it here. Sweet Themez specialized in custom cakes and cupcakes, but also make pies and cakepops. The vegan cupcakes were great, I hope they reopen soon!

H&M, Lobster Shack Coming to Dupont

A trio of news pieces for Dupont:

Willie T's Lobster Shack is looking to open at 1511 Connecticut Ave NW. This space was (for a loooong time) home to Marvelous Market. That local chain has now closed all but one of its stores. However, the owners of Marvelous Market are the same owners of Willie T's Lobster Shack. No word yet on an opening date, but look for it this summer.

Boutique pet store, the Cheeky Puppy has opened its doors at 1709 Connecticut Ave NW. Cheeky Puppy opened on April 1 and bills itself as the "go-to resource for modern, design-conscious pet lovers." 

Like 14th St. for dogs... http://t.co/XI52UPfzdp New pet store @thecheekypuppy has green juice, beef bourguignon, truffle mac dog treats.
— Top Shelf (@TopShelfWBJ) April 9, 2014

This is actually more "Farragut Square" news, but very much walkable from Dupont. We learned in January that Swedish clothing retailer H&M was planning to open at 1133 Connecticut Ave NW. The 28,000 square foot space was last occupied by Filene's Basement. H&M is currently building out and hiring staff, so the opening will come sooner than later. This stretch of Connecticut Ave has quite a few other clothiers including Brooks Brothers, Gap, Rizik'z, Victoria's Secret, Men's Warehouse, Dress Barn, and Ann Taylor. 

H&M Opening on Connecticut Avenue

H&M would occupy the 1st floor space of 1133 Connecticut Ave NW

Washington Business Journal is reporting that the old Filene's Basement space at 1133 Connecticut Ave NW (Desales St) will be filled by H&M. Filene's Basement was a high-end discount retailer. At its height, the chain had more than 20 stores, but eventually shuttered all of them by 2011. Seems to be the way; Loehmanns, a similar business, is also closing shop after more than 90 years in business.

The Swedish retail giant H&M is known for selling its own brands of "fast-fashion," affordable clothes and housewares. There are over 2,000 stores across many countries. The new store would come in at a sizable 28,000 square feet (similar to the TJ Maxx in Metro Center) and would be the third fourth  fifth H&M in the District, joining the department store format store in Georgetown, the two-level store at 11th and F NW, recently opened store inside Union Station, and Friendship Heights.