Bethesda Row Nike store burglary suspect arrested

The Nike store at 7117 Arlington Road at Bethesda Row has been repeatedly victimized by thieves and robbers during operating hours since it opened last May. One suspect allegedly took a more-subtle approach to acquiring expensive Nike gear by breaking into the store oyutside of business hours. It did not pay off. 

At 6:17 AM on March 5, 2024, a burglar forced entry into the store. Montgomery County police have had a stepped-up presence around Bethesda Row in recent months, and arrested a suspect at the scene.

Jonathan Winfield, 34, of Laurel has been charged with 2nd-degree burglary, misdemeanor theft, misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance, and misdemeanor malicious destruction of property. A preliminary hearing in the case has been scheduled for March 29.

Police step up presence at Bethesda Row after mob robs Nike Store (Photos)

Montgomery County police increased their visibility at Bethesda Row this weekend, following the robbery of the Nike Store last Monday by a mob of young people. Two police cruisers were parked in prominent locations at the Federal Realty development. 

A police officer was posted right inside the door of the Nike Store at 7117 Arlington Road. The word "POLICE" on the back of his jacket was clearly visible to any potential thieves or robbers approaching the entrance. Shoppers wrapping up their holiday gift lists at the busy retail center appeared undeterred by recent events, with eight days to go until Christmas.

Bethesda Row Nike store robbed

The Nike Store at 7117 Arlington Road at Bethesda Row was robbed yesterday afternoon. Montgomery County police were called to the store at 3:30 PM Monday for a report of shoplifting. A Twitter user tweeted a photo of several youths running north on Arlington Road, carrying armfuls of Nike merchandise, shortly after the incident. This is not the first time this Nike Store has been victimized in this manner.

Sneak peek: Nike Store at Bethesda Row (Photos)

The Nike Store officially opens this morning at 7117 Arlington Road at Bethesda Row. Last night, Nike held a special preview event for users of the Nike app, which had limited spaces and filled up quickly after the company sent out invitations. But readers of this blog will still be ahead of the general public, as I have a sneak peek of what is in store for you when you visit "Nike by Bethesda."

Nike by Bethesda May 25 opening date confirmed by Nike

The new Nike Store at Bethesda Row, Nike by Bethesda at 7117 Arlington Road (Nike is calling it 4827 Bethesda Avenue, which is incorrect), will officially open this Thursday, May 25, 2023. Nike confirmed the opening date in an email Monday; Google had posted the grand opening date last week. 

Nike advises customers to download the Nike app, and activate "location services," to get the most out of your grand opening day visit. Hours of operation for the store will be 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday - Saturday, and 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Sundays.

Nike Store sets opening date at Bethesda Row; new public art, seating added out front (Photos)

The highly-anticipated Nike Store at 7117 Arlington Road at Bethesda Row now has an opening date. The sneaker and sportswear shop is scheduled to open on May 25, 2023, according to Google. Inside, merchandise is being placed on the shelves and displays. But outside, there are some surprises.

Here is the first look at what property owner Federal Realty is replacing the small fountain outside the store with. A new public art sculpture is being installed, as well as a new seating area. There is no information available yet about the sculpture, so I can only describe it as a massive spool of fiber optic cable. At the base of the sculpture there are several light sources, which were already active last night.

Signage installed at Nike Store in Bethesda (Photos)

The Swoosh is up at the Nike Store, opening soon at 7117 Arlington Road at Bethesda Row. Pedestrian-facing blade signs featuring the iconic logo have also been installed on the former Amazon Books storefront. Inside, there's still quite a bit of work to be done. But there are already furniture and displays on the sales floor, and many lighting fixtures are in place. Signage for different categories of shoes, including the flagship Air Jordan, can be seen in the background.

Bethesda Row Nike Store construction update (Photos)

The interior fit-out of the new Nike Store at 7117 Arlington Road at Bethesda Row is well underway. But progress isn't as far along as I expected. This space was previously home to Amazon Books, for a visual comparison. Here's a sneak peek:

Swoosh installed at future Nike Factory Store at Pike & Rose (Photos)

The famous Nike Swoosh logo is now affixed over the front doors of the future Nike Factory Store at Pike & Rose in North Bethesda. Construction continues inside the space, which was vacated late last year by City Sports.

At a high-profile entrance to the Federal Realty development, the iconic logo should get the attention of pedestrians and drivers passing on Old Georgetown Road. The store is scheduled to open on August 18.