Marcus closed at Bethesda Row

Fashion boutique Marcus has closed at Bethesda Row. The Bethesda Lane shop has been cleaned out already. There was some optimism when entrepreneur Marcus Lemonis took over this location, as his business sense has earned him a spot on cable television. Montgomery County's moribund economy, and the flight of the rich that has sapped many upscale businesses of their customer base, were apparently too much to overcome even for Lemonis.

Runway becomes Marcus at Bethesda Row

The former Courage b boutique at 7125 Bethesda Lane has its second new name in less than a year. Acquired by entrepreneur and CNBC star Marcus Lemonis, the store became Runway last August. As of this weekend, it was officially rebranded as Marcus.

Marcus is the company's newest concept, and features a mixture of established and upstart women's apparel labels. Those labels have been selected by Lemonis himself, the company says. The chain also touts its in-store expert fashion stylists.

It's interesting, because the store has technically been open continuously since 2012, a real accomplishment in a competitive market by the founders of Courage b and Lemonis. They've been able to stay above water without the cache of a recognizable brand like Lily Pulitzer or Kate Spade over the door.