BUSINESS PROFILE
LANI GERING
The Old Town Shop: “Where the Past Is Your Present” THE OLD TOWN SHOP 105 South Union Street 703-684-4682 theoldtownshop.com Open 7 Days a Week 10 am – 9 pm
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| December 2021
It is hard to believe that this wonderful little shop hasn’t been around for many years. It just has that sort of vibe when you walk into the foyer and into the door on your right at 105 South Union Street. The Old Town Shop (OTS) will celebrate its 5 year anniversary in March of 2022. After the closing of a longtime favorite specialty retailer, The Virginia Shop that was located pretty much just across the street from the OTS, it was a welcome addition to the shopping scene in Old Town. We missed our “Virginia” specific retailer and were very excited to hear about long time Alexandria resident Valerie Ianieri’s plan to open an “Old Town Alexandria” specific venue. This shop is not just for those visitors who want to take something home to re mind them of their experience in our fair city but it is for those of us who live here and want to share our fabulous locally made products and history with family and friends alike. Ianieri is definitely following through with her vision to help preserve and promote the culture, history and most importantly the creativity of our Alexandria locals along with others in the Commonwealth. This shop is a PERFECT place to find a gift that will impress that person on your list who has everything. The description on the OTS website pretty much says it all: “The Old Town Shop is the only area shop to feature a variety of local curated artisan products that are offered at the Alexandria Farmers’ Market. This section, known as Locals’ Alley, is dedicated to showcasing a variety of artisans who vend regularly at the Farmers’ Market, giving these artisans a more permanent presence in a retail space. Featured vendors include Truly Life (bath & body), Capital Candles (soy candles), Watermelan Designs (jewelry), Together We Bake (granola & trail mix), and Napier Farms (jams & jellies). In addition, the Shop sells custom-designed “OTX” and Old Town Alexandria branded merchandise. Other gifts include gourmet food, books, collectives, and hospitality items for tourists and residents. The Port, our historical section, promotes the history of Alexandria, known as The Port City, with a representation of twelve state mile markers depicting the historic importance of the area.” The OTC - open 7 days a week from 10am to 9pm - is located at the foot of King Street on North Union Street right next door to the iconic Windsor Salon and just a few steps from another icon, Union Street Public House. It is definitely in good company of this block. While you are checking out the holiday happenings in Old Town, make it a point to explore the side streets off of the main drag and make the OTS one of your stops. You will not be disappointed!
Old Town Crier
