Bruce Variety closes in Bethesda (Photos)

Bruce Variety has closed in Bethesda, truly the end of an era in downtown retail. The variety store has operated continuously since 1953, one of the oldest businesses still open in Bethesda. In 2013, the store moved from its legendary location in the Bradley Shopping Center to Woodmont Avenue, which had less foot traffic and required paid parking on weekdays.

That move appeared to be the death knell for the store, as there were few customers inside whenever I stopped by the new location. In contrast, the beloved original location's narrow aisles were often cramped with people. Without easy access (not to mention free parking) for Bethesda residents making their usual rounds at the Bradley Shopping Center - Strosniders Hardware, the barber shop, Bradley Care Drugs, Bradley Food & Beverage, to name a few - "Bruce" ended up being dropped from the afterschool or weekend routine by many families.

When I broke the story on May 18 that the store would be closing, the actual closing day was still undecided. Ultimately, the store's final day was Friday. 

Meanwhile, "replacement" Bradley Party & Variey remains open at the Bradley Shopping Center. As I reported last week, the ownership of the shopping center is now exploring its future options for redeveloping the property, according to their attorney, Jody Kline of Miller, Miller & Canby.