Philadelphia

PhillyGossip: New Retail in Midtown Village Plus Other Relevant Fun Retail News Happening

January 7, 2016 by HughE Dillon

On my way to the Little Lion Media and Friends party last night, I took a stroll through Midtown Village. Lots going on there, but most notably I spotted this new store at 1216 Walnut Street

 It’s called Rikumo and it was previously located at 12th and Spring Garden. Rikumo is a finely curated housewares, and home decor from Japan.

 Since the place was still in the organizational mode I only took two photos of products while I was inside, after being invited in as the owner spotted me peering through the window.

I did see a lot of sleek designed items for your kitchen, home, and bathroom as well as stationary and gifts. This is a great store for Walnut Street, and people Rittenhouse Square will make a trip below Broad to patronize the shop.

 I spoke with store manager Jino Lee, who tells me he’s excited about moving the store to Center City, it’ll be much more convenient for many of his clients. In addition to selling great products that people will enjoy, he plans to host events at the new location which would include lectures, demonstrations, and workshops. He looks forward to being a part of the Center City community. Rikumo plans to open softly on Friday, with a grand opening event later in the month.

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 On a sad note, I noticed Potito’s Bakery has closed it’s doors at 1315 Walnut St. They had the most delicious pastries, but I think the lunch part didn’t take off as well as they hoped.

There was a lot of competition nearby from longtime established sandwich shops, and then Wawa opened up down the street. You can still get their world famous canolli’s, Turkey Cake and other cakes at their two other locations in South Philly and Wildwood NJ.
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Earlier in the year they closed their 20th and Spring Garden location, but don’t fret Ashley Michelle tells me that 
Sweet Nectar Dessert Kitchen coming soon to 547 N. 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130! 
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Back in November I told you about lou lou boutique coming to Midtown Village, a store that specializes in women’s accessories. I noticed the signs were up now, plus a sign that says they’re hiring. 

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The lights are on at the Hale Building. Looks like Brickstone Realty is really going to rehab the beautiful Victoria style building by architect Willis G. Hale built 1897, 51,500-square-foot building at 1326 Chestnut Street. 
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People really lost their cheese over the news that Mac Mart Philly’s FIRST n ONLY Mac’n Cheese Food Truck is opening a brick and mortar eatery in the Rittenhouse area. This sign was near Parc’s kitchen door on Locust Street near 18th. I hear wherever it’s going to be, it’ll be opened before March comes in like a lion. Speaking of lions, I went to the Little Lion restaurant opening party last night. I lost my cheese over Chef Sean Patrick Ciccarone’s mac & cheese, and t
he most delicious fried chicken you’ll ever have.
 Look for photos on Philly Mag tomorrow.