Patagonia is aiming for a September opening for its new Alexandria store, according to the company.
Patagonia, the outdoor clothing and gear company, is moving into the Old Town Theater space on King Street. Construction stopped in March due to concerns about coroanvirus, but the company is planning to resume construction in early September and open just a few weeks later.
Patagonia has put a very strong emphasis on safety at all of its stores, and the trajectory of the virus could alter the plans to open this fall, according to Patagonia officials. September is a goal, not a guarantee.
Patagonia is leasing the Old Town Theater building from Asana, which now owns multiple buildings in and around Old Town. Patagonia originally proposed taking down the OLD TOWN sign, but a number of residents said they were unhappy about losing the landmark letters. Patagonia this spring agreed to keep the sign in place (with some improvements to stop water damage).
Patagonia started as a small company that made tools for climbers. The company now makes clothing for a number of what it calls “silent sports” – climbing, skiing and snowboarding, surfing, fishing, mountain biking and trail running.
The closest Patagonia store to Alexandria is in Georgetown, though several other stores sell Patagonia products, including Dick’s Sporting Goods, REI and Nordstrom.
There are 33 Patagonia stores nationwide spread across 18 states and the District. Alexandria will be home to Patagonia’s only Virginia location.
