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?

I remember going in there like 10 years ago, cranky lady buzzed me in and then yelled at me about how to touch stuff and move the hangers. I spotted a skirt for sale that I already owned that I had literally bought in 2000 and was surprised it was for sale circa 2014 prices. I looked at the price and it was super expensive. I asked if this was a consignment store and the woman blew a gasket. So I left. Was weirdest experience ever.

She was selling items 15+ years old at no discount. Was crazy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

It looks like the old owner died and her daughter took over. The more recent reviews are much more favorable. THe new owner even went back on super old reviews and apologized.

[Anonymous]

If you have kids or happen to be a kid at heart, Happy Place is cute. Very close to Lucky Knot down by the water; I believe the same people own it.

[Anonymous]

Hooray For Books is great.

Also, does anyone remember the awesome toy store that used to be on King Street called Why Not?

[Anonymous]

Why Not? had great kids clothes, especially for special occasions.

[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

NP. Now I HAVE to go there!! What a wacko!

[Anonymous]

Manse
Patina
Look Again
Made in ALX

[Anonymous]

Torpedo factory
Mint condition
Fibre space (if you knit or crochet)
Just walking the strip is fun too!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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

I was also going to recommend casa rosada and lavender moon. I’ll add Turkish coffee lady and goodies frozen custard (which also has amazing cobblers)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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

The mean lady doesn't work there any more

She does! She’s the mother of the woman who is mainly there, but the witch works when her daughter can’t.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Red Barn Mercantile is fantastic and the owner is lovely.

Be sure to check out her stationary store (penny post) and new toy store (pippin toys). The toy store has an adorable fit out

[Anonymous]

What do people think about Shop Made in Virginia?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

The mean lady doesn't work there any more

She does! She’s the mother of the woman who is mainly there, but the witch works when her daughter can’t.

Hmmm, you sure? Some of the comments in the latest shop reviews suggest she died. Even so far as telling the daughter her mother is watching proudly from heaven.