Former Editor-in-Chief Ryan Avent writes a weekly column about neighborhood and development issues. He’ll be on vacation for the next two weeks; this column will return on August 19th. It’s been a hard summer for many loved and local businesses, some of which have been a part of the city’s life for decades. This week, long lines trailed down New York Avenue as customers waited to get a last meal at A.V. Ristorante. In June,…

Written by DCist contributor Vince Wadhwani, of BuyIndie.net The reality of big chains and online retailers is that for many small businesses, competing against them is extremely difficult — especially when it comes to prices. One local clothing store has found a successful approach in focusing on novelty — by providing clothing items that you won’t see your neighbor wearing the next week. “I try to re-merchandise the shop at least once a week; It’s…