Creme de la Creme Opens New Annapolis Retail Store
Founders Tara and Ben Wegdam have expanded their retail business into a new storefront on Francis Street.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Tara and Ben Wegdam have officially opened their newest Creme de la Creme location in downtown Annapolis. This marks the sixth retail establishment operated by the founders, who began their business venture in 2000.
Why it matters
The owners selected this specific Annapolis site due to the consistent volume of foot traffic from both local residents and visitors. They believe the area is underserved by similar retail offerings, making it an ideal expansion point for their growing brand.
The new store is one of six businesses currently operated by the founders. Anne Arundel County saw nearly 60 new or expanding business additions between May and June 2026.
The players
Tara and Ben Wegdam
The founders and operators of the Creme de la Creme retail brand.
The details
The founders utilize weekly communication between store managers to coordinate product placement and operational strategies across their locations. This systematic approach supports their expansion into markets identified by high pedestrian activity.
Timeline
The business was founded in Middleburg, Virginia, in 2000.
Nearly 60 new or expanding businesses were added to the county in May and June 2026.
The Annapolis store held its grand opening on October 22, 2026.
Market Landscape
The opening of the new retail storefront follows a broader pattern of commercial expansion documented within the county during the second quarter of 2026. This expansion reflects an ongoing competitive drive by local business operators to capture high-traffic zones in Annapolis.
The arrival of this new storefront provides residents and visitors with additional shopping options in the downtown district. Shoppers can expect to find the same product assortments managed by the company across its regional footprint.
The takeaway
Retail expansion continues to be a driving force in the local Annapolis economy as businesses target high-traffic areas. Success for new locations often relies on the consistency of operational strategies across multiple existing branches.
Further reading
For more information on the local retail environment, visit the Annapolis Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WMAR.
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