H&M, a popular budget-friendly fashion retailer, is set to open a new store in downtown D.C., directly opposite its former long-standing spot in the Woodward & Lothrop building, which it vacated over the summer.

The new store will be located at 664 11th St. NW. This site was previously occupied by Gap until its closure in 2021. Douglas Development Corp., the landlord for both H&M’s previous and upcoming locations, has not yet responded to requests for comment on this development.

The exact size of H&M’s new store hasn’t been revealed by the company. However, retail space listings from Dochter & Alexander Retail Advisors indicate the availability of nearly 6,000 square feet on the ground level next to Pret A Manger, with an additional 8,300 square feet potentially accessible below ground. Efforts have been made to contact the firm for further details.

H&M’s initial entry into the area was in 2003 at 1025 F St. NW, located in the renovated Woodies building. This move was part of the revitalization of the East End and Penn Quarter areas, which gained momentum following the opening of the sports and entertainment venue originally named MCI Center.

However, the retail sector, especially in downtown areas, has been severely impacted by the pandemic, leading to numerous retail vacancies in downtown D.C.

In addition to this upcoming store, H&M maintains other locations in Washington D.C, including one near Dupont Circle at 1133 Connecticut Ave. NW and another in Georgetown at 3242 M St. NW. The news of the new store was first signaled by signs reported by PoPville.