Shopping in Old Town Alexandria -- not chain stores

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Whatever you do, stay out of American in Paris.

Haha wow. That place is still there?

I'll bite. What's wrong with American in Paris?

Here you go!

https://www.yelp.com/biz/an-american-in-paris-alexandria

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's all chains/drop ship junk now. Sorry! Most independent shops closed in the 20teens.

There are very few chains in old town.
I’d suggest red barn mercantile, penny post, shoe hive, yellow jacket, old town books, pippin toys, 10,000 villages, the principle gallery.
For lunch try somewhere local such as La Fontaine or the warehouse

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you have a tween/teen, Happy Place on South Union is cute.

Seconding Shoe Hive - note there are two locations with different offerings at each. Next to the location with actual shoes is Mystique, which is a lovely jewelry store. Some bespoke pieces.

Red Barn is great, also check out Boxwood near Shoe Hive/Mystique.

It’s actually the shoe hive on s Fairfax for shoes and accessories and then on Cameron they have the hive for clothes and accessories and yellow jacket for men.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Red Barn is great, also check out Boxwood near Shoe Hive/Mystique.

These were going to be my suggestions, too. If you have kids 529 consign is a few doors down from Boxwood/Old Town Books. Bishop Boutique is fun to check out. This warehouse sale event already happened but there is a good map at the bottom that shows the independent stores.

https://alexandriastylebook.com/alexandria-stylebook/mint-condition-tips-to-navigate-alexandria-warehouse-sale

529 used to be priced higher than you could find the same product new in sale sections

+1
Would not recommend. Mint condition for adults is also part of it. Priced higher than new items on sale

[Anonymous]

They're used to be a super cute food store / cafe in the torpedo factory if you wanted to get specialty and local foods. Torpedo factory has studios with lots of great artisan items too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Whatever you do, stay out of American in Paris.

Haha wow. That place is still there?

I'll bite. What's wrong with American in Paris?

Here you go!

https://www.yelp.com/biz/an-american-in-paris-alexandria

+1
Please as a local old towner don’t go in there. The owner is rude and terrifying. She will essentially lock you in and berate you and all Americans and dont even think of touching anything. She’ll pick out some items that she approves for you after telling you how fat your size 6 body is. The weirdest part is the items are probably years old and are dated Nicole Miller, etc or cheap Amazon items she marks up.

[Anonymous]

Torpedo Factory studios

[Anonymous]

There are plenty of great independent stores left in old town. In addition to ones mentioned, I love fibre space for all things knit and crochet - if you aren’t a crafter the store will inspire you to be one.
The Hour always has cool vintage glassware and gifts.
I’ve not been here yet but Genius Genus is a newish plant store.
Made in ALX has some good gifts.
Bloomers for cute underwear/pjs
Bellacara - makeup, with some harder to find brands
Mae’s Market is nice for lunch, but there are tons of places to try.
For treats I love Casa Rosada Gelato and Lavender Moon Cupcakes

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Whatever you do, stay out of American in Paris.

Haha wow. That place is still there?

I'll bite. What's wrong with American in Paris?

Here you go!

https://www.yelp.com/biz/an-american-in-paris-alexandria

+1
Please as a local old towner don’t go in there. The owner is rude and terrifying. She will essentially lock you in and berate you and all Americans and dont even think of touching anything. She’ll pick out some items that she approves for you after telling you how fat your size 6 body is. The weirdest part is the items are probably years old and are dated Nicole Miller, etc or cheap Amazon items she marks up.

I lived 2 blocks away from there 20+ years ago and would go in occasionally. It was very strange but they had some good things. I feel like I might have bought something at some point. I cannot believe it is still open though. She has to be operating at a loss and/or have something else going on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Whatever you do, stay out of American in Paris.

The mean lady doesn't work there any more

[Anonymous]

She's Unique for quality fake jewelry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They're used to be a super cute food store / cafe in the torpedo factory if you wanted to get specialty and local foods. Torpedo factory has studios with lots of great artisan items too.

+1 for Torpedo Factory, great way to spend an afternoon + Red Barn and there are a lot of little shops along that stretch of King Street that I like to wander in and out of.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Whatever you do, stay out of American in Paris.

The mean lady doesn't work there any more

I thought she was the owner! It's wild that place is still in business. Someone warned me 15 years ago not to go in there because of the mean woman.

[Anonymous]

Red Barn Mercantile is fantastic and the owner is lovely.

[Anonymous]

Comfort One Shoes