A store focused on gear and accessories for kids going to summer camp has closed in Bethesda after just six months, but the owner of the shop says that was the plan all along.
Brian Bailey, who owns New Jersey-based Bee Bee Designs with his wife, said the location that opened in February on St. Elmo Avenue was always envisioned as a pop-up store.
The store employed “camp experts” to help customers who made appointments to pick up everything they and their kid might need for summer sleepaway camp. The store was stocked with trunks, bus bags, camp chairs, clothing, storage labels, address books, flashlights, shower caddies, clocks, pillows, bedding, color war gear and stationery and more.
In March, Bailey said he decided to open the Bethesda store because his New Jersey store and the company’s website would often get customers from the Bethesda area.
Bailey said the store will probably be back next year and the Bethesda location did well sales-wise. He also said that if he and his wife weren’t expecting a baby in three months, they might’ve kept the Bethesda location open through the fall and winter.
“It was fantastic and we were super-happy,” Bailey said. “We figured we’ll keep it as a six-month thing. I hope to be in either the same place or another place nearby next year.”
