A beloved crafts and variety store that called Bethesda home for more than 60 years is set to close, perhaps next week.
Bruce Variety is holding a 10-percent off “retirement sale” this week and plans to hold a bigger sale this weekend, according to a sales associate at the store Monday who asked not to be named.
She said owners Richard Dimock and Linda Ridenour will hold an all-staff meeting Monday night.
The closing was first reported by blogger Robert Dyer.
The store moved from Arlington Road to Woodmont Avenue two years ago. Dimock and Ridenour said the landlord raised their rent at their Arlington Road location because longtime Bradley Shopping Center neighbor Strosniders Hardware wanted to oust the store.
After Bruce Variety opened its new 8011 Woodmont Ave. space in March 2013, Strosniders opened up the Bradley Part & Variety Store in Bruce Variety’s old space.
Dimock and Ridenour couldn’t be reached for comment Monday.
The sales associate said competition from chain stores and a redevelopment project planned for the Woodmont Avenue property were the two main reasons for Dimock and Ridenour’s retirement from the business.
In January, Montgomery County announced it had selected a private developer to buy and build a 310-unit apartment building on the public parking lot that sits next to Bruce Variety.
It would mean a loss of 39 metered spaces next to the store.
News of Bruce Variety’s closing at its former Arlington Road location sparked an online petition asking the trustees who own the Bradley Shopping Center to reconsider.
The store is known for its unique gifts, crafts and specialty items.
“Unfortunately, they’ve decided to retire due to the growth in Bethesda and chain stores,” the sales associate said. “Small businesses are getting slim to none. So that’s how it is, but life is life.”
