What’s better than one store? A collection of ministores all in one place. No, we’re not talking about a mall or town center; we’re talking about 116 King Seasonal Pop-Up in Alexandria, open until mid-September. Here you’ll find curated artisan wares from 34 brands. It’s the brainchild of Jennifer Kearney Desiderio, who held the popular pop-up during the holiday months last year. After the overwhelming support of that pop-up, she decided to bring it back.
Desiderio wanted to bring something new to the shopping district that complements what is already in the area. Brands are ones that you can’t find anywhere else. “I did that on purpose,” says Desiderio. “I’m trying to give a strong voice to some of these smaller brands that haven’t even gotten on other boutiques’ radars.”
At the pop-up 34 brands will stay the whole season while others will be in and out for a short amount of time. Shoppers can find pieces for everyone in the family—women, men and kids—as well as home decor items with brands such as Artemis Design Co. kilim shoes and textile bags, Beltology modern belts, Crane & Lion athleisure, Kicheko and Liz Law jewelry, Fine Foutas beach textiles and Little Birdies Boutique kids attire, to name just a few. There is also a fridge stocked with South Block juices and bars.
The store has a rotating calendar of events to keep things in the true pop-up fashion. In April, Tory Burch’s nieces were in for Neely and Chloe Burch bags (items are still at the shop). They held a sip-and-paint event. And this month, Criquet Shirts, a men’s apparel brand, and Bald Head Blues will be in for a couple of weeks with a kick-off event happening with the owners in June. // 116 King Seasonal Pop-Up, 116 King St., Alexandria
