eyebobs opens, Crabtree & Evelyn closes at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Westfield Montgomery Mall is one up and one down in tenants. Designer eyewear boutique eyebobs has opened on Level 2. Meanwhile, Crabtree & Evelyn has permanently closed.

Crabtree & Evelyn holding closing sale at Westfield Montgomery Mall

The "Everything Must Go!" signs now ubiquitous around Montgomery County retail centers have been slapped up at Crabtree & Evelyn at Westfield Montgomery Mall. There will be "nothing held back," and savings are up to 50% off at this point. Moribund Montgomery County has suffered a net loss of over 2100 retail jobs since 2000, according to a spokeswoman for the Maryland Retailers Association. The flight of Montgomery's rich to lower-tax jurisdictions in the region has reduced the market for upscale fragrance and home goods like those carried by Crabtree & Evelyn.

LILLY PULITZER OPENS AT WESTFIELD MONTGOMERY MALL IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

Shopping just got twice as nice for Lilly Pulitzer fans in Bethesda. The existing Pink Palm boutique at Bethesda Row is now joined by a Lilly Pulitzer store, which has just opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall. They also have a display in the center of the corridor outside of the store.

In other Westfield Montgomery Mall news, frantic construction is underway inside the future Talbot's, which is moving over from White Flint Mall. I could hear loud machinery operating behind the wall.

The Walking Company has moved into, and opened, its new second level location. Speaking of moving, Crabtree & Evelyn is about to open its second level store, as well. Yesterday, workers were making the move, clearing out the current store on the lower level.

The current Crabtree & Evelyn on
the lower level was being emptied
Tuesday, with contents moving
upstairs to the soap and fragrance
boutique's new location