Abercrombie & Fitch opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Abercrombie & Fitch has been as much of the typical mall experience since the 1990s as Auntie Anne's or Cinnabon. How appropriate, then, that the once-controversial apparel retailer has returned to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Just in time for Black Friday, and with Abercrombie Kids for the younger people on your shopping list. Look for - and, perhaps, smell? - Abercrombie & Fitch on Level 2 of the mall, next to the Apple Store.

Fashion Q opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda (Photos)

Fashion Q has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The Los Angeles-based company traces its roots back to the 1980s. It chose its "Q" logo because a one-letter sign was cheaper than using the whole brand name. The cost savings extend to its merchandise, which is purchased wholesale here and abroad. "We refuse to give our customers B.S. markups," Q declares. Look for Fashion Q on Level 1 of the mall, right outside of Macy's.

Akira opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Akira has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Founded in 2002 by Eric Hsueh, Erikka Wang, and Jon Cotay in Chicago, the women's apparel boutique now boasts over 30 locations nationwide. Rather than derive inspiration from fashion trends in southern California or New York City, Akira's founders say their apparel is unapologetically representative of Windy City style. Look for Akira on Level 1 in the Old Navy/The Cheesecake Factory wing of the mall, in the space recently vacated by Alex Baby & Toys.

Tonieh Boutique closes at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Tonieh Boutique has closed at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. All of the merchandise has been cleared out of the space, which is on Level 2 of the mall by Beauty Frizz, but the sign is still lit over the storefront. The store opened in February 2024. Tonieh Boutique still has locations across the river in Tysons and Dulles Town Center.

Embrace Ur Greatness opening at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Embrace Ur Greatness is opening at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. It is a sportswear/streetwear boutique that is "looking to spark self-belief through the form of merchandise." An online storefront is also open for business. Look for Embrace Ur Greatness on Level 1 in the Old Navy wing of the mall, between T-Mobile and Windsor.

Tory Burch opens at Montgomery Mall

Tory Burch is now open at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The boutique's operating hours are 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Sundays. The preppy-bohemian women's fashion brand sells apparel, shoes, handbags, home decor, watches, and accessories. Look for Tory Burch on Level 2 of the mall, next to Lovesac.

Trendy Man Italia closing, Peter Mason opens at Montgomery Mall

Two menswear tenants at Westfield Montgomery Mall are headed in opposite directions. Trendy Man Italia is on the way out, and is holding a closing sale. Those signs seen across moribund Montgomery County so often in recent years - "Store Closing," "Everything Must Go!" - are on display at the entrance to the shop. But if you need to suit up for the holidays, don't panic: Peter Mason by Montgomery Custom Tailors is now open on Level 1 in the Old Navy wing of the mall, across from The Cheesecake Factory. 

Q opening soon at Montgomery Mall

Q is opening soon at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Merchandise is already on the racks, and signage is up inside and outside of the store. It appears to be a women's apparel boutique. Look for Q on Level 1 of the mall, right outside of Macy's.

Peter Mason opening November 1 at Montgomery Mall (Photos)

Get ready to dress for success this holiday season at Peter Mason by Montgomery Custom Tailors. The menswear store will open at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda this Friday, November 1, 2024. Peter Mason offers men's suits made with superfine wool fabrics from Italy and England. Custom-tailored suits, ready-to-wear, and dress shirts are available. Look for Peter Mason on Level 1 in the Old Navy wing of the mall, across from The Cheesecake Factory.

UNIQLO opening at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

UNIQLO is coming to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The Japanese casual wear retailer will be located on Level 2, in the space just vacated by Express and Express Men. That's quite an upgrade, in my opinion. UNIQLO will probably join J.Crew as the most productive apparel-shopping destinations at the mall - for men, at least - along with Macy's and Nordstrom. Will UNIQLO open in time for Black Friday? Stay tuned!

J.Crew reopens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

J.Crew has reopened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. It has moved across the corridor to a new location. The return of J.Crew is slightly behind schedule, as the store was officially expected to reopen this past summer. Look for J.Crew's new spot on Level 1 of the mall, between Intimissimi and Arhaus.

The final week of Express at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

If you're seeking those closing sale savings at Express, hurry to Westfield Montgomery Mall in the coming days, as this is the final week for Express and Express Men at the mall. Signs at the store are counting down the final days. Express is closing around 100 stores nationwide after filing for bankruptcy. Their exit hasn't lived up to their brand name, though, with the closing sale having lasted all summer.

Tory Burch opening at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Tory Burch is coming soon to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Signage has just been posted across the future storefront. Founded by Tory Burch in 2004 in New York City, the preppy-bohemian women's fashion brand soon got high-profile boosts from Oprah Winfrey and the TV series Gossip Girl over the ensuing few years. The product line today includes apparel, shoes, handbags, home decor, watches, and accessories. 

Tory Burch currently has a store at Tysons Galleria. The Montgomery Mall store is scheduled to open this fall, in plenty of time for peak holiday season shopping. When it opens, look for Tory Burch on Level 2 of the mall, next to Lovesac.

Abercrombie & Fitch opening store at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Abercrombie & Fitch is making a triumphant return to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The once-edgy apparel chain has reformed its image to comply with societal changes that have taken place since its golden era. So far, the politically-correct makeover has actually boosted the company's fortunes and stock price. When it opens, look for - and perhaps smell? - Abercrombie & Fitch on Level 2 of the mall, in the former Banana Republic (RIP) space next to the Apple Store.

Free People closing at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Free People is closing at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The store's final day of operation will be Friday, July 26, 2024. A bohemian brand of Urban Outfitters, Free People opened this location in May of 2013. Despite that solid track record of success, the store has ultimately succumbed to the moribund Montgomery County economy, along with MoCo's high taxes and ever-shrinking business profit margins. Not only do I find no reports of Free People stores closing elsewhere in recent times, but Urban Outfitters is actually expanding the brand by opening additional Free People locations this year.