Business & Tech

Bruce Variety to Re-Open on Woodmont in March

Community institution finalizes plans to re-locate to former Creative Parties spot.

Community institution Bruce Variety has finalized a deal to re-locate to the former Creative Parties space on Woodmont, and the store is set to re-open in March, owners tell Patch.

News that the 60-year community fixture was closing its doors due to high rent in the Bradley Shopping Center drew heavy media coverage and shock and sadness from loyal patrons. Residents rallied for the store, even organizing an online petition asking the landlord to re-negotiate the $22,000 monthly rent.

The store's new location at 8011 Woodmont Ave. was recently vacated by Creative Parties, which moved across the street. The location "is surrounded by condo and apartment highrises, has tons of foot traffic and will serve a huge segment of the Bethesda Chevy Chase community," Linda Ridenour, wife of Bruce Variety owner Richard Dimock, wrote in an email to Patch. 

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"It was because of the press exposure and the resulting outcry from the community that we became so driven to relocate," Ridenour wrote. "We have had customers stop by during our move, to support us and promising to shop with us for years to come. I personally was touched by the tearful embraces from so many of our customers, and I can't wait to hug them again, this time with joy!"

Ridenour said the new location has a charming feel that's reminiscent of "the general store of days gone by."

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The new store will feature expanded merchandise, a "handyman's corner," and a re-vamped sewing and fabric department that will offer knitting and sewing classes, Ridenour said.

Owners are planning a grand opening celebration when doors open in March.

Are you happy to see Bruce Variety stay in Bethesda? What do you think of the new location? Tell us in the comments.


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