Vape Store Will Open in Silver Spring Space
A new smoke and vape shop is planned for the former Velatis Caramels storefront in downtown Silver Spring.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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A tobacco, vape and cigar store will occupy the space at 8408 Georgia Avenue. The site formerly housed Velatis Caramels before the candy shop relocated to Bethesda in the summer of 2025.
Why it matters
The change reflects the ongoing evolution of the downtown Silver Spring retail landscape. The previous tenant cited construction from the Maryland Purple Line project among the reasons for moving.
The new business will operate at 8408 Georgia Avenue in downtown Silver Spring. This location previously served as the storefront for Velatis Caramels until its closure in the summer of 2025.
The players
Velatis Caramels
This historic confectionery business originated in Richmond in 1866 and now operates out of Bethesda.
Maryland Purple Line
This major light rail transit project is currently under construction in the region.
Colesville Smoke & Vape
This business operates another smoke and vape retail location in the Silver Spring area.
The details
Signage posted at the Georgia Avenue site marks the upcoming arrival of the tobacco, vape and cigar shop. The storefront has been vacant since Velatis Caramels exited the downtown Silver Spring area.
Timeline
Velatis opened at 8408 Georgia Avenue in 2008.
Velatis closed its Silver Spring storefront in the summer of 2025.
Colesville Smoke & Vape opened on Colesville Road in May 2026.
The Maryland Purple Line light rail project is projected to open in winter 2027.
Market Landscape
The transition of this retail space occurs as downtown Silver Spring continues to adapt to the long-term disruptions caused by the Maryland Purple Line project. This shift mirrors broader trends where infrastructure projects influence local commercial vacancy rates and tenant turnover.
Local shoppers will see a change in product availability as a specialized tobacco and vape retailer replaces a legacy confectionery shop at this downtown address. The arrival of this store adds another similar commercial option to the Silver Spring area following the 2026 opening of a shop on Colesville Road.
The takeaway
Retail turnover in downtown Silver Spring continues to be influenced by ongoing regional infrastructure developments. Residents should monitor local signage to stay informed about new business arrivals in their neighborhood.
What happens next
The Maryland Purple Line light rail project is scheduled for completion in winter 2027.
Further reading
Find more updates on new retail additions in the Silver Spring Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Source of the Spring.
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Do you prefer more specialty food retailers over vape shops in your local downtown area?
