Gant Opens Store on M Street

Gant has opened in Georgetown, marking the brand’s continued retail expansion outside New York.  The 2,000 square-foot store opened its doors at 3239 M St., NW, near clothiers J. Crew, Rag & Bone and AllSaints Spitalfields

“Georgetown, specifically M Street, has become a key shopping destination in recent years, especially for men,” said David Arbuthnot, chief executive officer of Gant USA. “ Expanding into Georgetown was a natural step as Gant’s aesthetic is grounded in our authentic American East Coast heritage.” 

The new location will sell a curated assortment from all collections including Gant, Gant Rugger and Gant by Michael Bastian.  A grand opening party is set for Nov. 28

Washingtonians may be familiar with the space that Gant now calls home.  Once a popular live jazz bar called Saloun, the building's renovation maintained and upgraded key architectural elements of the original design, paying homage to the lounge that came before it.  Upgraded mill work and granite detailing accentuate the newly refreshed facade, while a brushed steel Gant sign now illuminates the charcoal gray exterior.  The entryway features a custom wood and glass door with antique brass hardware. 

A mix of modern and classic fixtures are utilized throughout the space.  Visitors will find a mid-century Cado wall system inside, created by Danish designer Paul Cadovius.  One of the most personal touches of Gant's new store design is what lies upon its walls.  Exposed bricks were kept intact, featuring the signatures of former jazz enthusiasts and Saloun patrons who frequented the bar for more than 30 years.  The Gant team salvaged the bricks in four visible sections of the space. 

Gant's Georgetown location joins the brand's existing seven retail locations, including Gant Rugger neighborhood shops and a Fifth Avenue global flagship in New York City, a Gant Campus Store at Yale University.  It also recently opened Los Angeles and Boston locations.  Gant plans to open four to five additional North American stores in 2013 and is also looking at several spots in the U.S. and Canada.  The Sweden-based brand -- with $1.23 billion in global sales in 2011 -- is owned by Switzerland-based Maus Frères SA. 

Gant is a lifestyle brand, with an American sportswear heritage, offering modern high quality casual wear with a European touch.  Gant’s values are based on the brand’s authentic history dating back to the company's inception in New Haven, Conn., in 1949.  The brand has since further developed, taking influence from Europe.  For more information, visit Gant.com, or call its M Street store at 202-625-1949.