Bethesda Sears store closing moved up a month

The expected closure of the Sears store at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda next spring has been moved up a month, according to a statement by the struggling department store chain. Westfield had previously announced the iconic retail anchor would close in March 2019. Now, Sears says, the store will close in February.

As I previously reported, Westfield has already acquired the Sears building. It plans to tear it down, and replace it with a mixed-use town center development.

J. Crew closed for renovation until August at Westfield Montgomery Mall (Photo)

Bethesda residents who favor a preppy look may find the opening of Vineyard Vines at Westfield Montgomery Mall to have been perfect timing. That's because the J. Crew store at the mall is going to be out of commission for most of the summer. The store is undergoing a major renovation over the next 2 months, and will reopen on August 3.

The length of the closure does get the Spider Sense tingling, with the recent struggles of J. Crew in mind. However, I've heard very positive comments about recently remodeled J. Crew outposts in New York City and Miami, so stay tuned.

BERRY YOGURT SPACE NOW OFFICIALLY FOR LEASE IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

Looking for prime downtown Bethesda real estate for your restaurant or retail concept? The former home of the recently-shuttered Berry Yogurt is now officially for lease, by landlord Douglas Development. I'd like to think we could get one of the tenants Douglas Development has established relationships with, like Shake Shack. I've been let down before (Relic, anyone? - that's still for lease, and was turned over to Papadapoulos Properties. Which has been unable to find a tenant for the vacant former nightclub for nearly a year). But... optimism!

It's a pretty sizable space. Nearly too big, for Berry Yogurt's purposes. And is on what, in future years, will be the Bethesda Avenue of the redeveloped Woodmont Triangle.

FORMER BERRY YOGURT SPACE GETS THE WINDOW PAPER TREATMENT (PHOTOS)

Berry Yogurt closed its doors permanently on Norfolk Avenue about a month ago. The space has been cleared out, and is for lease. In the last few days, paper covering over the windows has appeared.

OLD BETHESDA POST OFFICE CONSTRUCTION UPDATE (PHOTOS)

Here's a look at the continuing interior renovation of the historic Bethesda Post Office, on Wisconsin Avenue at Montgomery Lane. The retail space is available for lease from Donohoe Development.

SHOPS OF WISCONSIN REDESIGN REVEALED (PHOTOS)

A multimillion dollar renovation is still underway at the Shops of Wisconsin in Bethesda, but property owner Douglas Development is giving us a preview of the complex's future.

The sleeker redesign includes outdoor patio dining areas, and new signage.

Known best for its anchor tenant, Trader Joe's, the Shops of Wisconsin also has current retail space for lease.

Renderings courtesy Douglas Development, All rights reserved.