Chris Cruz for Visit Alexandria
Be on the lookout for the Elf Patrol!
Small Business Saturday is Saturday, Nov. 28 in Alexandria, and special shopping elves (wearing masks) will be handing out gift cards to shoppers. The elves are really dressed-up members of the Old Town Business Association and Old Town Boutique District — but they'll be out in force from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday in Old Town and Del Ray hunting for shoppers.
The Elf Patrol will be out every Saturday through Dec. 19, giving you lots of opportunities to win when you shop small.
In addition, parking is FREE at all city parking meters. Other traditions include special discounts and take-home gifts with certain purchases. Whether you need toys, personalized gifts, clothes or gourmet food for your loved ones, you'll probably be able to find it on Small Business Saturday in Alexandria.
In addition, be sure to stop by The Shoe Hive for the Courtyard of Creators series. The boutique selected a talented lineup of women creators and makers to pop-up in the signature courtyard in front of The Shoe Hive. The inaugural series kicked off in late August and has become a huge hit highlighting women of color makers. The following makers will be featured:
- 3Shades Chic DC-based creative jewelry designer Cynthia Spriggs
- Cheryl’s Bracelet Bar - black female-owned bracelet bar specializing in handmade gemstone bracelets for men and women
- Best Life Organics - all-natural clean skincare
- CARRA Hosiery - luxury legwear
- Skin Scholars – sister-owned handmade men and women skincare company that brings family recipes to modern times.
Visit Alexandria’s new digital Guide to Alexandria Holiday Shopping features nearly 50 independent retailers and is packed with information about in-person and online store offerings plus more ideas like Black-owned businesses to buy from, where to get made-in-Alexandria gifts and more.
Need more reasons to shop small? Enter the Alexandria Santa-gram Giveaway by submitting a receipt from your purchase at a participating independent retailer featured in the Guide to Alexandria Holiday Shopping for a chance to win a personalized video greeting from the region’s most beloved Santa.
