Menswear Store Brings Personalized Shopping To Bethesda Row
Bonobos opens on Bethesda Lane today.
Bonobos, a by-appointment men’s wear shop, opened today, taking the spot of recently departed Urban Chic on Bethesda Lane.
The store originally launched as an e-commerce site, advertising a clothing line fitting men with more athletic builds. Since its launch, Bonobos has opened guide stores in several major cities, including New York and Boston.
According to Jamie Johnson, a fit-guide with the brand headquarters in New York, the Bethesda location will primarily take appointments, but will welcome drop-in customers more typical of heavy Bethesda Row foot traffic.
Johnson says that store fit guides will walk customers through the brand process, including trying on clothes and finding a correct fit, before helping a customer order merchandise from the e-commerce site.
According to the Bonobos website, shipping and returns are free.
The store is located at 7126 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda, (301) 986-7949. The store is open Monday through Wednesday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mike May
6:24 pm on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
So I have to drive and park at Bethesda Row to shop online? And I need to make an appointment first? That is the definition of a truncated value proposition.
Katie Griffith
6:53 pm on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Hi Mike -- the store will welcome all drop-in customers as well.
Corbin Dallas Multipass
9:24 am on Thursday, November 8, 2012
I dunno, a lot of people go to HHGregg and BestBuy first to see products first hand, then buy the product they like online where they get the best price.
This isn't so different, except for vendor lock in because the sizing is probably distinct to the brand.
Greg Cohen
2:36 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012
Too pumped for Bonobos!
Modern Fellows
2:07 pm on Monday, November 19, 2012
I visited the shop and spoke with their (very nice and helpful) staff last week. Their showroom is an interesting concept. It's a way for guys to get to know the brand and see how their clothes fit. Once you find your fit, you can order online and the clothes are shipped free to your home. (They don't stock inventory, so you can't walk out with a pair of pants.) Note that the Bethesda guide shop is temporary for the holidays. Bonobos is readying a permanent showroom in Georgetown for 2013. For a look inside, see: http://www.modernfellows.com/bonobos-bethesda/