Meanwhile, another independently owned shop will exit next week after 20-plus years in the D.C. area. As Kindred Spirits, known for its artsy clothing, unique scarves and handmade jewelry, is shutting down its last remaining location at Westfield Montgomery Mall. “Running this business has been a joy, but all the signs are telling me that it’s time to move on,” says owner Wendy Rukmini Walker. “There’s been a shift in the climate. People aren’t shopping like they did before.” March 27th is the store’s last day of business at the mall, where Walker relocated just four months ago after closing her longtime locations at Washington Reagan Airport and Rockville’s Congressional Plaza. Walker says she may consider hosting some As Kindred Spirits pop-up shops at local events, but for now she plans to concentrate on her other passion: teaching Bhakti yoga.
