ALEXANDRIA, VA – Microbusinesses are hip, and they are thriving at the new Made in ALX shop in Old Town.
Started in late 2020 by Alexandria residents Lore Burek and Beth Lawton, Made in ALX is connecting local, independent creators with the community. For example, Christina and Jason Bruegger started keeping bees in 2017 with just one hive. “As our apiary expanded, we began producing more honey than our family could use, so we created Alexandria Honey Company in 2021 to share our raw, unfiltered honey with you, directly from Alexandria’s West End.”
Now open at 1 Wales Alley and open through December 29, next to Virtue Feed & Grain and Waterfront Park, the holiday pop-up shop is filled with unique gift ideas you won’t find anywhere else. The store is overflowing with feature items perfect for holiday gifts from 38 of the most creative and talented Alexandrians.
“I found something for my Uncle who has everything,” said one customer who continued, “I swore to myself that everything under the tree would be bought from local stores this year. This place has everything!”
Items include candles, pet items, clothing, accessories, jewelry, household items, art and more. Local makers joining the pop-up shop include the Alexandria Honey Co., C&A Soy Candles, Isle & Wild Candles, White Lily Shoppe, PawsGo, Narwhal Design Ink, Hatch, Project Buna, Garden Home, Cosmic Crayon Co., Made by Caylea — and several artists including Alexandra Schmeling, Laurel Prucha Moran, Daniel Horowitz and Michelle Wee. A full list of participating makers is available on the Made in ALX website.
Gift givers can always order through MadeinALX.com, with in-store pickup, local courier delivery and nationwide shipping available. “We’ve had a few requests for private shopping parties in the shop! If you’re interested in scheduling a holiday shopping party for you and at least 10 of your friends, please email us at [email protected].”
The website, which launched in late 2020, features more than 500 items from a diverse group of Alexandrians.
In addition, Made in ALX plans to host multiple events in the pop-up space with local makers, including offering classes and demonstrations. On Dec. 11, Made in ALX will offer free gift wrapping and collect donations for the food bank at ALIVE!
Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
12/3/2021 7:44 p.m.: This story has been updated to include a weblink to Waterfront Park.
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