Winterwood, Just Cozy, See's Candies open at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Three seasonal retailers have just opened ahead of Black Friday at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda: Winterwood, Just Cozy, and See's Candies. The first two are brand-new, and See's is an annual holiday tenant at the mall, returning once again for 2026. Here's a look at each one:

Winterwood is filled with the Christmas spirit. Shoppers are greeted by a Christmas tree bearing the message "Merry Christmas," a welcoming wave from a Christmas light-wrapped Groot, and a Santa-hatted Goofy seated inside the entrance, ready to lead a round of Christmas carols with his book in hand. The shop features all kinds of Christmas decor, much of which appears to be handcrafted. Stockings, snow globes, tabletop displays, and Christmas tree ornaments are among the items for sale. Look for Winterwood on Level 1 of the mall, between Warby Parker and Lilly Pulitzer.

See's Candies is back, but has downsized to a kiosk this year. It does make it easier for shoppers passing by to see exactly what they have to offer. One tends to think of their famous chocolate assortment gift boxes. But here you will also see Molasses Chips, Assorted Lolly Pops, hot cocoa mix, Victoria Toffee, and branded mugs. Find out why See's has been in business for 105 years at their kiosk on Level 1 of the Macy's wing, near Lilly Pulitzer.

Just Cozy features loungewear, knit hats and mittens, leggings, slipper socks, and blankets. Everything you need to stay warm and comfortable for the holidays. Just Cozy was founded in London, Ontario - where they know a bit about cold winters - in 2014. Look for Just Cozy on Level 1 of the mall, next to Urban Outfitters.

Police called after assault at hotel in Rockville

Rockville City police were called to a hotel after someone was allegedly assaulted there early yesterday morning, November 9, 2026. The assault was reported at a hotel in the unit block of Helen Heneghan Way at 1:35 AM Monday. That is the Cambria Hotel Rockville at 1 Helen Heneghan Way in Rockville Town Center.

Taco Bell construction update in Rockville

Construction of the new Taco Bell restaurant building continues at 1100 Rockville Pike. It's not moving fast enough for diehard fans of the Mexican mega chain. But the building is now enclosed, and as you can see, glass has been installed. Will it be done by the end of the year? I'm not optimistic, given the current status of the construction. This is the best Taco Bell in Montgomery County, so impatience is a virtue.

Aggravated assault at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an aggravated assault at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda early Thursday afternoon, November 5, 2026. The assault was reported at the mall at 1:00 PM Thursday. It took place in a parking garage on the property. This assault is the third to be reported at the retail center since Westfield instituted a 3:00 PM juvenile curfew on September 28. It is the tenth assault reported at the mall this year. Twelve assaults were recorded at the property in 2025.

Crust & Crumb Bakery Cafe opens in Rockville

Crust & Crumb Bakery Cafe is now open at 718 Rockville Pike in Rockville. That was formerly home to Roy Rogers. Operating hours of the Taiwanese-inspired bakery are 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, seven days a week. A grand opening celebration is scheduled for November 13 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Along with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, there will be free gift bags for the first 50 customers, activities, giveaways, and music by a live DJ.

Sneak peek: Xi'an Famous Foods in Rockville

Xi'an Famous Foods is opening soon at 12031 Rockville Pike at Montrose Crossing in Rockville. The fast-casual Chinese restaurant is currently expanding into the Washington, D.C. region, and Rockville's status as one of the top destinations for Asian cuisine on the East Coast made it a priority opening. You can see the menu below, and it looks fantastic. Highlights include their signature pulled-to-order biang-biang noodles, and the cumin-spiced lamb burger raved about by none less than Anthony Bourdain. Initial operating hours will be 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, seven days a week.

Gaithersburg man fatally shot in Rockville

A Gaithersburg man was fatally shot in the Town Center area of Rockville eaarly yesterday morning, November 4, 2026, according to Montgomery County police. Rockville City police and County Fire and Rescue Service personnel were originally dispatched to the 200 block of N. Washington Street at 12:25 AM Wednesday, after a report of a person laying in the street near Trader Joe's was received. When first responders arrived at the scene, however, they discovered the man suffering from a gunshot wound to his chest. Despite lifesaving efforts, he tragically passed away at the scene.

Homicide detectives have identified the victim as Richard Ulysses Hernandez, 33, of Gaithersburg. His body was transported to the Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, where the cause of death was determined to be homicide. Any suspect(s) in the case remain at large. Detectives are asking anyone with information about this homicide to contact Crime Solvers of Montgomery County at 1-866-411-8477 or submit a tip online at www.crimesolversmcmd.org. Tipsters may remain anonymous, and information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a reward of $250 to $10,000.