Shop Made in Virginia

There’s a twist to Shop Made in Virginia, a newer outpost that fits right in with King Street’s collection of inviting boutiques and gift shops. The Old Town store is light and bright, accented with wood paneling and a colorful mural reminiscent of the neighborhood’s historic homes. Inside, the shelves are stocked with truly something for everyone. Browse around and you’ll find everything from sushi-themed dog collars to waxed canvas bags, laugh-out-loud greeting cards and fancy food products like bags of PastaCraft spinach gemelli.

But a closer look reveals museum-style placards next to each product display that show the name and face of the real person behind this item, where they live, and a little gem of insight into their process. And true to the store’s name, every single thing you can purchase at Shop Made in Virginia is crafted by hand by locals.

“When you walk in, there’s a mix of all the things you would find in a home and gift store. The twist is that your neighbors make it,” says Stacey Price, who founded the company with Michael Babin of Neighborhood Restaurant Group.

What began in 2017 as a short-term project to show off local makers and artisans in D.C. expanded into a full-blown company with multiple shop locations. That tally now includes two stores showing off wares from Virginia makers, with a new Richmond shop and this store in Old Town, which opened in 2021.

Even Price can’t believe how big her endeavor has gotten. “I’m surprised that I can know the names of like 500 makers,” she jokes. The stores are a self-described “platform for creativity,” helping nurture and foster the careers of entrepreneurs in Virginia.

Shoppers can even explore their own creative sides at the King Street location. The back of the store is completely set up for classes and workshops led by some of Shop Made in Virginia’s favorite artists. That could be a “Wine & Watercolors” hangout, a tea blending demonstration or a cupcake decorating crash course.

Looking for a souvenir? Beautifully-illustrated postcards are the highest grossing item here. Prints are very popular at Shop Made in Virginia in general, with plenty of artwork that convey a sense of place, from drawings of Old Town cityscapes to Mount Vernon illustrations. This Alexandria swag has a greater meaning. “If you’re going to take home some memorabilia, buy it from a store that is not only a local store, but all the items that we have in that store are locally manufactured,” Price says.

Visit Shop Made in VA located at 1121 King Street Alexandria, Virginia