Retail

OVERVIEW

A Retail Renaissance
in the Nation’s Capital

From brick and mortar storefronts to online stores, the District offers a strong and steady economy, offering a daytime population of more than one million people. At the geographic center of the nation’s sixth largest metro area, there is a reliable stream of domestic & international visitors, working professionals, and increasing local residential population with an average household income in excess of $125,000.

Retailers like REI, Apple, Amazon, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Warby Parker and Nordstrom Rack are leveraging an ever-expanding local economy, and finding success, in the District. From historic Georgetown, new waterfront communities, and former industrial centers consumers are discovering retail & dining options in every corner of the city.

Restaurants, cafés, distilleries, brewpubs and bakeries are gaining attention in Bon Appetit’s 2016 Restaurant City of the Year and 17 Michelin-starred restaurants in 2020. In addition, nearly 50 new grocery stores have opened in the District since 2000.

With demand and development swelling across neighborhoods, top brands and local start-ups are making sweeping investments in the District that’s on the grow. Dig in to learn why there’s no better time open store in Washington, DC.

Quick Resource Links

Business Incentives

DC Doing Business Guide

DC Development Report

Neighborhood Guide

Business Incentives

Grocery Store Opportunities Map

Resource Links

Supermarket Tax Incentive

#ObviouslyDC

Quick Facts

On average, DC residents spent 44% more on food, 51% more on apparel and services, and 38% more on entertainment and recreation in 2019 than the average American.

The retail and restaurant sector accounted for $15.6 billion of D.C.’s taxable sales in 2018.

Nearly 50 new or modernized grocery stores have opened in DC since 2000

Retail real estate deliveries in DC totaled 600,000+ SF in 2019.

Between 2010 and 2019, the District’s population increased 17% to 705,749.

New D.C. Grocery Stores (since 2000)

Grocery
Retail
Hospitality

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Growth in a Super Market

Many of DC’s neighborhoods are undergoing a revitalization, bridging a dynamic history and new opportunities, through the development and construction of new grocery stores. Nearly 50 new or modernized grocery stores have opened in DC since 2000. Among them are:

Supermarket tenants are actively being sought for mixed-use development that includes retail and residential. Qualified grocery stores can take advantage of the District’s Supermarket Tax Incentive, which offers tax exemptions for up to 10 years.

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Retail with Real Potential

Washington, DC’s retail sector is thriving, with new openings occurring along the city’s many retail corridors and beyond. Retailers are capitalizing on the city’s robust population growth and strong consumer demographics. A flourishing tourism industry further reinforces the local retail market.

Top brands that recently expanded into the district and now call D.C. home include:

Target: Signed leases for three new locations across the city
Apple: New 19,000 sq. ft. store flagship store in Mount Vernon Square
Amazon: Opened a 10,000 sq. ft. bookstore
Planet Fitness: Established its first location east of the Anacostia River
Chipotle: Opened its first store east of the Anacostia River

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Room to Meet Demand

DC hotel occupancy has steadily increased from 76.3% in 2013 to 78.7% in 2017. Demand continues to rise as more visitors spend time in the District. While the metro area’s primary driver for room-night demand is the federal government, new entertainment and arts venues are also contributing to a stable and consistent flow of guests into the market.

Among the hotels recently completed are the Hilton D.C. National Mall and the Conrad Washington, D.C., a $270 million investment. Projected demand through 2020 is expected to support these and planned developments.