A Fond Farewell: Reunions Owner Retires After Decades of Dedication

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Thirty-six years ago, just after giving birth, one Alexandria mother made an unusual first stop—not home, but Reunions, the beloved local gif store where she worked. It was a testament to how deeply the store was woven into Barbara Geyer Watts’ life—a connection that would grow into a defining part of her family’s story.

According to her daughter Lizzie Watts Esposito, in a recent social media post,  Watts began her journey at Reunions in bookkeeping, later transitioning to part-time work as she balanced motherhood, and eventually returning full-time as her children grew. Her daughter joined the Reunions story at the age of 12, pricing merchandise in the back for $5 an hour. She worked there throughout high school, inspired by the example her mother set in running the store with dedication and grace.

Fifteen years ago, this devoted employee took a leap of faith and purchased Reunions, transforming it into something uniquely her own. With vision, creativity, and heart, she cultivated a business that became more than a retail space—it became a cherished part of the Alexandria community.

Saturday, May 31, 2025 marked her retirement and the close of an extraordinary chapter. Her legacy is one of passion, perseverance, and community spirit. She has inspired not only her family but everyone who had the privilege of working with or shopping at Reunions.

As one chapter ends, another begins. Her impact will continue to resonate for years to come.

On Saturday, Barbara Watts posted on social media a picture taken in her store of herself standing between two women, arm in arm, with the caption, “My heart is filled with gratitude that I am handing over the store I love so much, Reunions, to two incredibly capable women who will continue in my footsteps. Thank you Molly Merbeth and Blaire Bartlett.”

Reunions is located at 1709 Centre Plaza, between Quaker Lane and Kenwood Avenue, in Alexandria.  For hours and more information, visit their website at reunionsgiftshop.com.

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