If your morning commute takes you along the Georgetown section of M Street, then on Tuesday morning you likely saw a long line of cold, sports enthusiasts waiting to get the first peak (and swag gift bags and prizes) at the City Sports flagship store located at 3338 M Street, NW.

The two story, 1000+ sq. ft. space is the 18th location for the City Sports group and offers shoppers not only fashionable and functional merchandise, but the opportunity to explore, learn and experience the various DC-based athletic activities and groups.

Given the current weather—SNOWOMG! Definitely hit up this City Sports and get a pair iof men’s running shoes, as it has all the outdoor, thermal underwear, winter boots, snow pants, puffy jackets, fuzzy sweaters, wool hats, Everest climbing gloves, you’ll ever need. Oh so, practical and oh so stylish!

Upon entering the store, it’s impossible to miss the tasteful, and Georgetown-appropriate, mix of wood, metal and brick materials that gives the space a very industrial, yet polished feel. This combination of rough and refined is mirrored in the merchandise selection as it all of it will make you look good while getting your yoga/kick boxing/cross-training/walking/coffee-shopping on. At the front of the store, you’ll also find an indoor bike rack space where shoppers can safely store and lock their bikes. With regards to cycling, the store caters to both the Lance Armstrongs and the messenger bike crowd and even the best velcro shoes.

Aside from offering the standard Nike, Under Armour, Reebok athletics gear, the store features up and coming brands like Vibram, Avalache, Treetorn, Bogs, etc. that appeal to non-athletes and athletes alike. Should the Georgetown location not have an exact size, they’ve installed iPads that allow shoppers to quickly order and ship what they’re looking for. The iPads also feature local bike and running trail information, product video demos and recommend City Sports tunes.

Connecting the first and second floor is a large atrium with large windows and sky lights that make the space feel like a covered outdoor area. As I entered this space, I seriously expected to see a City Sports employee repelling down a rock wall. In this space you’ll also find a semi-circular shoe rack with the women’s selection on one side, men’s on the other. Right next to the shoes is the sunglasses section which features a south facing outdoor patio, so when you’re deciding between what pair on shades to buy you can actually test them outside. How novel!

At the top of the industrial staircase to the right is the women’s section which can be transformed into a yoga studio or aerobic class area. Additionally, City Sports has built in lockers for class participants to securely store their bags and personal items. Across the way is the men’s section that focuses heavily on cross-training and compression gear. Again performance and styling go together at City Sports and envisioning this apparel both in and out of the gym isn’t hard.

Rounding out the extensive selection, you’ll find all the home gym equipment: kettle balls, free weights, foam rollers, door hanging chin up bars, exercise videos, mats, etc. And, as this is Georgetown, there’s racket sports section featuring tennis racket stringing, and squash and racquetball equipment.

As a former college athlete and general all-around sporty gal, this latest addition to City Sports is a paradise; I seriously wanted to buy everything I saw. However, I have a feeling that anyone, whether athletic minded or not, will have the same shopping experience as I did.

Rebecca Johnson

A born and bred New Yorker, Rebecca made the big trip “down south” to DC in 2006 and hasn’t looked back. She spends her days strategizing/planning/ideating how interactive products can help her clients and change the world. In her free time, she explores DC’s ever expanding bar, restaurant and small business scene, plays a crap ton of soccer, attends concerts that contribute to her sleep deprivation and embarks on local adventures. Read why Rebecca loves DC or follow her on twitter.