About Washington DC
Washington DC is unique in that it is a federal city; its existence as the nation’s capital city came about when the first Congress voted to designate the area as the seat of the federal government. Today, Washington is not only a great place to visit, but it continues to grow with retail, restaurants, and tech companies gathering in and around the capital city. Washington is home to the Smithsonian, all federal buildings including the Pentagon, and a number of monuments dedicated to both veterans and our Founding Fathers.
Washington is more than a city dedicated to governing. Tourism is one of the chief economies of the city, with visitors coming in for many reasons. In the spring, the Japanese cherry trees are renowned for their beauty. Tourists come year-round to visit the historical sites in Washington, and during the summer, sports enthusiasts enjoy watching the Washington Nationals.
Retail Location Options in Washington DC
A Washington DC retail location is bound to be a much-visited spot. To make it stand out, look to local businesses for help with setting up the space.
- Computers and Other Business Machines
One of the benefits of opening a retail space in Washington DC is the availability of business machine retailers in the area. You’ll likely need computer monitors, copy machines, and even fax machine access. Many business machine retailers offer all these machines as well as service for their products.
- Marketing
Getting a business off the ground isn’t easy, but, with the help of a knowledgeable marketing company, you can get the word out about your new business venture in a creative way. Washington DC is home to many creative marketing companies that will help you get the word out about your retail venture.
- Display Furniture
Any time one sets up a retail business, display furniture is a necessity. Whether you’re opening a boutique or a juice bar, you’ll need a certain amount of display furniture. Because Washington is such a diverse city, you’ll be able to find a wide range of furniture that fits your particular needs. From mannequins to display cases and more, you can easily find it in Washington DC.
Retail Location Companies in Washington DC
Prepping your Washington DC retail location is a huge job that you need not take on alone. Experienced companies in the area can provide solid practical advice.
- Bluetext
Bluetext is a digital marketing agency based out of DC. They specialize in branding, public relations and digital marketing for businesses and organizations of any size. Not only do they assist in creating ad campaigns for your company, but they also design and run retail websites – a must-have for retail businesses today.
- Illuminations, Inc.
Lighting is an important part of a retail operation. Whether you’re opening a clothing boutique or one that offers unique artwork, you’ll need lighting to make your atmosphere just right. Illuminations is a residential and commercial lighting company that not only sells and installs lighting for your retail shop but also offers designing services for customers. Since 1982, they’ve been a top-notch provider.
- Harbortouch
You will need Point of Sale machines and software as well as computers for running your retail business. Harbourtouch offers equipment and POS machines; you’ll simply pay a monthly licensing fee. Harbourtouch installs the equipment, and they offer service and support any time, day or night.
Pros and Cons of Retail Locations in Washington DC
Washington DC is a growing metropolis that is always bustling. The city itself offers much to do, and the suburbs around the city are growing too – both residentially and commercially. However, no city is perfect, and DC has both good and bad when one is considering opening a retail business in the area.
Advantages
- Continued growth
DC offers lots of job opportunities – from federal jobs to the hospitality industry to retail opportunities. Many people from Baltimore and Virginia commute to DC to work; there is literally a job market for most any interest in the DC area.
- DC is diverse
DC is home to people of all ages; currently, millennials are flocking to Washington DC as many businesses are catering to this demographic. In addition, DC is welcoming of all lifestyles and social statuses. Traffic to your retail location will be plentiful and diverse with the right product.
- Lots of fun, free things to do
DC is home to a plethora of museums, most at no cost to visit. The Smithsonian and the Mall of Museums is a perfect place to spend the day if you love history. You can view all types of iconic items from the puppets utilized on Sesame Stree to music instruments belonging to legendary musicians.
Disadvantages
- Traffic
Lots of people from both Maryland and Virginia drive into DC to work; coupled with the residents of DC itself, this is a recipe for congested traffic. Most can expect a commute of forty-five minutes to an hour – and that’s if you leave home very early in the morning. Traffic never disperses in DC; it’s always busy, no matter the time of day.
- Poverty
Even though Washington DC is home to some very wealthy people (home prices are so steep that most folks living in DC actually rent their home), there is a large homeless population in DC. It isn’t uncommon for panhandlers to approach people traveling through.
- Weather
Winters in DC are cold with snow and ice from December to March. Sometimes, November can also be fairly cold, and the wind off the Potomac River is like a proverbial knife. Spring is pleasant, but doesn’t last long; the same can be said for fall. Summer is the polar opposite of winter; it is hot and humid from May until mid-October.
Famous Locations in Washington DC
- The Mall of Museums
If you love history, airplanes, sports, or just pop culture, there is something entertaining for you within the Mall of Museums. This attraction includes the Smithsonian, the Air and Space Museum, and more.
- Eastern Market
Although farmer’s markets are now considered “trendy,” these local produce stands have been around for quite some time. Such is the case with the Eastern Market, which has provided the DC area with locally sourced produce for over 150 years. You can find baked goods as well as fruit and veggies here; today you may even find ethnic food vendors.
- Busboys & Poets
Love reading? Love a good coffee? Check out Busboys & Poets! Whether you’re looking for a quiet nook in which to read and enjoy a cup of joe or you are looking for brunch in a progressive climate, Busboys & Poets is the place for both.
