It’s been a staple of downtown Williamsburg for nine decades, but now Binns of Williamsburg is moving across town and across the city line.
Binns is moving into a roughly 11,000-square-foot space in the WindsorMeade Marketplace in James City County in September, owner Thomas Smith said.
“We’re going to miss our neighbors, and Williamsburg is part of our name but the time has come,” Smith said.
Binns was founded in 1925 and calls itself the most exclusive fashion store in the historic Triangle.
Smith said the lease for Binns’ current location in Merchants Square is scheduled to end. Smith had been in negotiations with his Colonial Williamsburg — the store’s landlord — to renew the lease, but Colonial Williamsburg declined to renew it, he said.
A Colonial Williamsburg representative did not respond to request for comment Friday.
As a result, Smith began looking for new locations for the business. He said he is excited with the spot he’s found, adding he’s “secured the best location” for the store.
Binns will reopen in September next to Bed Bath & Beyond on Monticello Avenue, Smith said.
WindsorMeade Marketplace is owned by Nusbaum Realty Co. Smith said he is looking forward to working with the new landlords when it comes to planning events, such as Binns’ annual outdoor Christmas market and visits from out-of-town artists.
“We’re excited about them partnering with us for our events and for facilitating strong retail events on that corridor,” Smith said of Nusbaum.
Ricky Jacobson, senior vice president with Nusbaum, said he shares Smith’s excitement for the partnership.
“I think Binns is a very unique retailer in today’s market, and they bring tradition, fashion and the experience all in one,” Jacobson said. “I think that’s what makes them successful and why were excited about them.
“They are clearly a destination and they’ll help every tenant on that road,” he added.
Smith said the Binns customers he has already told are excited about the new location as well.
“The building has nothing to do with it. It’s the furnishings and products we offer and the relationships we have with our customers,” Smith said. “They’ll follow us wherever we go.”
