It's true that word takes a while to get around, but some people hear the news faster than others. Take Cecil Palmer, for instance, who would say he is the news. Cecil has Ways. He Knows People. He watches and listens, and he prides himself on the many friendly relationships he has with his fellow community members. If someone in the District knows something, it's likely that Cecil will shortly know that same something.
This is how he knows about the tall blonde witch-person reopening a new shop—and, in a way, this is also why he's shown up at the door, heart all a-flutter, worry plain on his face. He knocks on the door a couple times before pushing it open—just a bit—and peaking in, leaning over so his twin braids swing down around either side of his face.
“Hello? Hello! Oh gosh, it's you!” Upon seeing the shopkeeper, he shoves the door open the rest of the way and stands there dramatically, nothing short of weird in his tight-fitting salmon-colored corduroy pants, rainbow tie dye Pizza Hut tee shirt, jelly sandals, a whole lot of tattoos, and a real, working third eye, currently closed.