Retail : Featured Stories

The rise of the sharing economy has created a new class of entrepreneur whose startups are monetizing everything from power tools to parking spots. And who knows, one of them could be the next Airbnb. 

Waverly Main Street has hired a local urban design firm to create a new master plan for the area that includes streetscape improvements, a new slogan and the redevelopment of several buildings. Leaders want the area to be known as a place to shop and dine — and not just the Saturday farmers' market.

Danielle DiFerdinando's purses are sold at top department stores and have received Oprah Winfrey's endorsement. The Maryland native talks about her rise in the fashion industry and her new purse line.

We check in on Kasey and Kelly Evick, who own Baltimore soap and bath products company Biggs & Featherbelle. They moved their business into larger digs this month and are now making money after landing deals with Whole Foods, Wegmans and other stores. 

Many of the city's retail projects that stalled during the recession are now moving forward, says Morris Ritchie & Associates Architect Gary Getz. New shops have opened at Harbor East and Locust Point, while others are on the way in Canton and Remington. 

Issue Media Group, the parent company of BmoreMedia, has launched a new weekly online magazine that covers innovation, development and job growth in the nation's capital. Elevation DC's first newsletter debuts Jan. 15. 

The owners of some of your favorite lunch spots and bakeries started out as vendors at area farmers markets, where they learned invaluable lessons about customer service and marketing. Find out how these entrepreneurs made the transition from the markets to standalone retail operations.