Friendship Heights Giant closes, clears out

Catastrophe

The biggest blow yet has fallen on the strip in Chevy Chase once referred to as "Montgomery County's Rodeo Drive." Collection at Chevy Chase anchor tenant Giant has closed its store. The store has already been cleared out. This is a major hit to other tenants that remain, as Giant and Clyde's of Chevy Chase have been the only significant traffic drivers left at the struggling retail center.

Wisconsin Avenue storefronts once populated by the biggest luxury brands remain largely vacant at the property. A significant renovation to the public space areas at the center was completed, and new restaurant Little Beet Table recently opened. The Collection, and the area in general, have been hard hit by the moribund Montgomery County economy - which fell to rock bottom in the region, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics benchmarks - and the flight of the rich to lower-tax jurisdictions in our region.

First photos from the scene

Major shock

Massive blow for the area, and
a major loss of convenience and
price competition for residents

Not anymore