You could stand outside a big box store at 4 a.m. in the dark and cold… or, you could sleep for an extra hour or two, eat Thanksgiving leftovers for breakfast and hit up Alexandria’s alternative Black Friday instead.
We vote for the second option. (Ever had a stuffing omelette?)
Plaid Friday — Alexandria’s Small Business Black Friday — will feature nearly 50 independent shops, many opening early, offering some of their best deals of the year.
In addition to great discounts, you can shop small and support Alexandria's local businesses.
Sales start at 6 a.m. and continue all day. After you have worked up an appetite from shopping, stop by area restaurants and cafes for special deals.
Shoppers can receive a limited-edition plaid mask by local designer DMaran when they spend $100 or more at participating retailers (while supplies last).
Community members or shoppers can wear their favorite plaid on Plaid Friday and post on Instagram using @otboutiques #plaidpatrol. Area stylist Ali Hellmuth from ALH Style and Sarah Phillips from The Scout Guide will each select their favorite looks to win a $50 gift card to a local boutique.
In addition, now through Dec. 20, submit a receipt from your purchase at a participating independent retailer featured in Visit Alexandria’s Digital Guide to Alexandria Holiday Shopping for a chance to win a personalized video greeting from the region’s most beloved Santa. Learn more at VisitAlexandriaVA.com/Santa. Five winners will be selected each week during the giveaway period.
Need gift ideas? Visit Alexandria’s 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.