Athleta installs signage at Congressional Plaza in Rockville (Photos)

The signs are up at Athleta, opening soon at Congressional Plaza on Rockville Pike. Last night, the main sign was already lit. A smaller, pedestrian facing sign has also been installed outside the storefront. The performance apparel store is scheduled to open this spring.

"Coming soon" signage at Taco Bamba in Rockville (Photos)

Taco Bamba is showing us more of what to expect when their new Rockville location opens at 1627 Rockville Pike at Congressional Plaza this spring. "Coming soon" signage has been added to the storefront, with large photographs of menu items. Taco Bamba's liquor license hearing is scheduled for next month.

Athleta, Custom Ink moving at their own pace in Rockville

Two of the brands Rockville shoppers have been awaiting the arrival of at Congressional Plaza are Athleta and Custom Ink. But each is moving at its own pace toward opening day. Athleta has been recruiting employees heavily since late January on job boards and websites, and appears to remain on-schedule for a spring opening. Custom Ink, which was announced almost a year ago for a summer 2020 opening, never materialized beyond the "coming soon" screens installed on the storefront.

Taco Bamba coming to Rockville

 

Taco Bamba is coming to Rockville. The Northern Virginia-based taqueria chain has leased the space at 1627 Rockville Pike in the Congressional Plaza shopping center. That space was previously home to Modern Market. Taco Bamba has a liquor license hearing scheduled for March 4, 2021, according to a sign posted on the storefront.

Athleta opening location at Congressional Plaza in Rockville

Athleta will open its first Montgomery County location at Congressional Plaza in Rockville next spring, property owner Federal Realty announced this morning. This will be the performance and lifestyle apparel brand's third regional location, with existing stores in Georgetown and Tysons. Targeted toward active girls and women, the store is positioned to align with the same consumers as Federal Realty's new FITRow-branded fitness area at the shopping center.

FITRow will include CorePower Yoga and Orangetheory Fitness when it debuts. Athleta will be located by The Fresh Market at Congressional. “Federal Realty always seeks exceptional brands to complement our merchant mix at Congressional Plaza,” Kari Glinski, Director of Asset Management at Federal Realty. said in a statement. “With the opening of FITRow, featuring CorePower Yoga and Orangetheory, we are confident that Athleta will be a sought-after retail destination.” 

Barnes & Noble sets opening date for Congressional Plaza store in Rockville

Books arriving on shelves

at relocating store

Last week the Nook e-readers arrived at the new Barnes & Noble at Congressional Plaza on Rockville Pike. This weekend, books began being put on the shelves. The Starbucks BN Cafe is ready, and now I have the opening date for the store: Wednesday, August 5, 2020. Barnes & Noble is relocating here from Montrose Crossing down the Pike.

BN Cafe completed, Nook readers arrive at Barnes & Noble at Congressional Plaza

The Starbucks BN Cafe at the future Barnes & Noble bookstore at Congressional Plaza is complete, minus potential wall artwork. It's sure to stir cafe-envy in Bethesda residents stuck with the small and cafe-less Amazon Books as replacement for the shuttered Barnes & Noble at Bethesda Row.

First to hit the shelves at this relocating Rockville location? Nook e-readers. I'll take a hard copy book over one of those any day of the week, though.

Congressional Plaza Barnes & Noble store to have Starbucks

Despite a major downsizing from their current Rockville location, the new Barnes & Noble store at Congressional Plaza will have a Starbucks B&N cafe. There's already furniture in the cafe, and shelving, tables and displays continue to be installed on the main sales floor. Also new, is a sign promoting the store at the entrance of the property.

Bookshelves being installed at Barnes & Noble at Congressional Plaza in Rockville

If you're a book lover, you've got to love this. Bookshelves are now being installed at the future Barnes & Noble opening later this year at Congressional Plaza in Rockville. Their current Montrose Crossing location will remain open until then.