A walk down DC retail thoroughfares like M Street in Georgetown or 7th Street in Chinatown reveals mostly national chains. But locally owned retail stores--like Celadon Spa, owned by Judith Koritsas(above) and Lynne White-- can thrive too.Lynne tells us many landlords are weary of mom-and-pops because they present more financial risk than a national chain, and take time, energy, and support to flourish. But once a retailer wins local shoppers over and creates staying power, the concept works, Lynne says. It's worked with stores near Celadon like Insight Opticians (also co-owned by Lynne), Mia Gemma, Cowgirl Creamery, and Peruvian Connection, which are all woman-owned businesses, to boot.
Studley'sWendy Feldman BlockandKim Rothrecently helped Lynne and Judithrestructuretheir Celadon lease at 1180 F Street, and Wendy says if "landlords are willing to spend the time tosit downandunderstandthe independent entities, the end result can bevery rewarding." Kim expects the trend to continue, noting that retailers with"a conceptbeyond just a trendwill help shape thefutureof retail." And on the topic of woman-owned retailers, Kim adds that as more women thrive, she hopes it grows the excitement for others tofollow their passions."
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