A New Chapter Begins for Alexandria's Reunions Gift Shop

Molly Merbeth and Blaire Bartlett became the new owners of Reunions this summer.

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Business

Fall is in the air, and one of the best boutiques in town to find seasonal gifts and home decor is Reunions, located in Fairlington Centre, just off of Quaker Lane near King Street.

Blaire Bartlett and Molly Merbeth (in the photo above, Molly is on the left, Blaire is on the right) became the new owners of Reunions this summer from owner Barbara Geyer Watts. The boutique has been a part of the Alexandria community for more than 30 years, offering home decor, jewelry, cocktail napkins, gifts for all ages and much more. 

The two were familiar with the shop after working there for years.

Blaire grew up just outside of Columbus, Ohio but was in the DC area since the summer of 2005. "I fell in love with DC during a summer internship and moved here right after graduation, and like many, started working on Capitol Hill," she said. 

"I actually found Reunions through a work colleague," she said. "I needed to source some gifts for my boss and she recommended Reunions. I was looking for a weekend job to help supplement my income (and pay for all those weddings you're invited to in your 20s) and was hired in December 2006 by the first owner, Ann Donahue, and never looked back. The shop and all the women I worked with, became a second family for me and I couldn't give it up."

Molly grew up in Alexandria and started working at Reunions while she was in high school. "I was born and raised right here in Alexandria and graduated from Alexandria City High School in 2015 (go Titans!)," she said. "After earning my degree from UVA, I returned home and began working. First as an event planner in DC, then at a local interior design firm. 

"I’ve worked at Reunions through every stage of my young adult life" she said. "My mom and I always loved shopping at the store together, so when she joined the team in 2013, it wasn’t long before I followed — starting as a high school helper in 2014. I’ve loved every second since, and the women I work with have become treasured friends and mentors."

A dream come true

So when Barbara announced her decision to retire, Molly and Blaire both knew immediately what they wanted to do.

"We met with Barbara, made our case (which Barbara was thrilled with!) and the transition from there couldn’t have been smoother," they said. "Ultimately, we decided Molly would manage the shop Monday through Friday, while Blaire would handle Saturdays so she could keep working full time."

The two officially took over on June 1.

"We see ourselves as the third generation of owners at Reunion," Blaire said.. "Barbara was the first employee of the first owner, Ann Donahue, and we both worked for Barbara for a long time. We're caretakers of this neighborhood shop. We love living and working in this community and getting to see the next generation of shoppers come in."

Molly echoed those sentiments.

"I love just about everything — from sourcing new items to displaying them," she said. "I enjoy the backend work too — budgeting, managing inventory, pricing. It’s all so fun. Nothing beats seeing a customer find something they LOVE and knowing you had a part in that."

We're the new owners...now what?

Now that they're the owners of the business, what's the biggest difference between working at the shop and becoming the owners?

"We're now personally invested in the business and anything that goes wrong we have to fix," said Blaire. "We had to call a plumber and an electrician during our first week of ownership, it's those surprises that keep you up at night."

For Molly, "the biggest difference for me is that the store is now constantly on my mind. I used to be able to leave and not think about it until my next shift. Now, I lock the door each night and it stays on my mind until I fall asleep. Luckily, it’s a fun thing to think about!"

Their biggest challenges? "I think it's two things," Blaire noted. "Staffing and getting enough of the right merchandise."

Another big challenge, Molly said, "is finding the right balance between sticking to a budget and keeping the merchandise fresh and stocked. Deciding what to reorder and when is an art form I haven’t mastered yet, but I know it will come with time."

Consignments

Reunions still has consignment items, the two noted. Reunions began with consignments, and the two will keep that tradition alive by keeping the process of taking items on consigment as familiar as possible. Here's how it works:

Reunions accepts small consignment items by appointment (Wednesdays, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.). If you’re interested in consigning a piece of furniture, you must email a photo along with its dimensions. Furniture acceptance depends on available floor space.

Consignments are a 50/50 split between the consignor and the shop, with the consignor setting the final price. Items are displayed for up to 60 days, and any unsold pieces must be picked up at that time.

Small, giftable items, like Limoges boxes, bud vases or unique pottery tend to sell especially well. Antique and vintage pieces, or designer items from brands like Tiffany or Herend, are top performers. Newer items (from the past four decades) and full china sets can be more of a gamble.

If it ain't broke...

While some new owners of a business make changes, don't expect anything major at Reunions. "No big changes!" said Molly. "Reunions, as you knew it, will continue on. We’ve made a few adjustments to the store layout to allow for better flow while browsing. We’ll bring in new lines, but that’s how the store has always operated, a revolving selection of unique items."

Blaire agreed. "It's really a testament to the women before us that we have inherited such a strong customer base and we don't want to mess that up," she said. "I don't think customers will notice too many changes. We've moved some displays and opened up the floor a bit. Of course we're adding our own flair to the merchandise but keeping the best sellers."

Popular items

The two agree that the most popular items in the shop are stuffed animals and jewelry. 

"Currently, enewton bracelets, Jellycats, and, always — no matter the season or time of year — tea towels," said Molly. Jellycats, in case you haven't heard are "stuffed animals that have gone viral," said Blaire.

If you're a frequent shopper at Reunions, be sure you're not missing out on the monthly discount code. Reunions sends a monthly email to everyone on their mailing list which typically features an exclusive discount code. Throughout the year, Reunions also hosts special sales, whether it’s marking down seasonal items after the season ends or celebrating a special event. Plus, you can always find great deals on a 50% off shelf in the back of the store. If you're not on the email list, you can sign up on the website, reunionsgiftshop.com or just ask at the store. Customers can also keep up with the store through Instagram (@reunionsva).

Finally, the two say they are spending 2025 getting their feet firmly on the ground. And in 2026, get ready for some exciting changes — "extended hours, the possibility of Sunday openings and the addition of an embroidery service that will be a whole new chapter for us."

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