Georgetown is DEAD. Georgetown used to be so much FUN. So what happened?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I live in Georgetown and wish you were right.

People move out of Georgetown because it is becoming impossible to afford it. Georgetown is more expensive than ever.

And, unfortunately, we don't suffer a lack of visitors. Last weekend it was so hard to find a parking spot on my street! I feel like all Virginia people come here to shopping when the weather is good.

The cars are likely youngsters meeting friends for drinks at the waterfront t, pinstripes, big hangout spots (whatever those are now). I work in Georgetown, and it is super popular, although the crowd is very very different from 20 yrs ago.

You live there, so naturally have blocked out the blighted empty store fronts, the low brow retail, from the TJ max to the "suit" stores which seem to never change their window displays or have any customers, the gross student eateries, 7-11s, etc. Georgetown has a unique residential culture which sort of ignores all of that.

But generally speaking this thread is composed of people who used to heavily support the businesses which added a lot of character to the neighborhood (but are now gone.)

We are not contesting your property values, just saying the retail has lost its cache, and the experience of going to Georgetown is not really that special of an experience. You still have the bridge and tunnel crowd who party there, you will still get busloads of tourists at Sequoia, you will always have the Gtown students nail and hair salons and brunches, but the neighborhood has lost the interest of many people who were longtime patrons and very fond of the place. It is a true loss.

I agree. Totally different crowd there now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There was an incredible vintage clothing store across Wisconsin from Gtown Park - I think it was called “Classic Clothing,” or something like that. I bought the best oversized men’s tweed coat - the menswear for women trend was in full swing in the 80s. I treasured that coat.

Also: Poseurs, Tombs, Commander Salamander, etc. Great times!

You had me scared for a sec, so I checked. Still open, PP!

Really?? I had no idea! Glad to hear it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I use Georgetown as a substitute for Montgomery Mall when I have to do that type of shopping.

Yep that's part of the problem. The retailers are all big corporations now like a mall.

The rent is too high for interesting small shops. Only the chains can afford it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand putting a Capitol One Cafe @ the corner of WI and M. Maybe I have no vision but I just don't see how these Capitol One Cafes can survive.

+1

Silly.

They can survive bc they are funded by your bank fees. No other reason.

+1

The owner is living high on the hog, so are all of his children, thanks to that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I use Georgetown as a substitute for Montgomery Mall when I have to do that type of shopping.

Yep that's part of the problem. The retailers are all big corporations now like a mall.

The rent is too high for interesting small shops. Only the chains can afford it.

I read that certain chains take losses in certain areas just so they can say they have a location in a certain zip code (insert trendy area here ___________________________)

[Anonymous]

If I'm in the general area with a little free time I still like to park and stroll around Georgetown. Seldom. Last time I spent any significant time there was years ago with out of town cousins, walking down memory lane. We waited in a long line to get crappy overpriced cupcakes with a side of mediocre coffee. Almost not worth the effort, if it weren't for the memories.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Commander Salamander back in the day...

This is one reason to go see the upcoming Wonder Woman sequel - they brought back Georgetown of the 80's.

[Anonymous]

The new Compass Coffee on Wisconsin Ave is super duper nice. It's seriously awesome and huge - tons of seating. It's a bit removed from the M Street chaos so it gets less tourist crowds. I hope they are wildly successful!

[Anonymous]

I really miss the chicken salad at Furins.

[Anonymous]

There is a homeless man sleeping in front of the entrance to the Sports Zone that went out of business.

[Anonymous]

I always wonder how the random suit and streetwear/sneaker shops are staying in business all these years. Are they a front for something?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I always wonder how the random suit and streetwear/sneaker shops are staying in business all these years. Are they a front for something?

Probably. Considering their rent is no less than $10,000 a month.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I use Georgetown as a substitute for Montgomery Mall when I have to do that type of shopping.

Yep that's part of the problem. The retailers are all big corporations now like a mall.

The rent is too high for interesting small shops. Only the chains can afford it.

I read that certain chains take losses in certain areas just so they can say they have a location in a certain zip code (insert trendy area here ___________________________)

Yes, definitely true.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I always wonder how the random suit and streetwear/sneaker shops are staying in business all these years. Are they a front for something?

Years and years ago some of these businesses were raided and shut down for selling counterfeit goods so I think it's a possibility. I am sure it's all different now.