There has been a shift happening for a while. Instead of enclosed shopping destinations, breathing in fresh air while browsing fine wares has become the way we want to spend our money—making shopping an experience. The trend began with Reston Town Center in 1988, and its inspiration of open avenues and boutique shops has yet to let up. This is how we will be shopping for the foreseeable future.
Virginia Gateway
Gainesville
Opened: 1999
Shops & restaurants: 130+
Of note: J.Crew Mercantile, J.Crew’s new concept store—one of only two in the nation—opened in November.
Village at Leesburg
Leesburg
Opened: 2010
Shops & restaurants: 70+
Of note: Multimillion-dollar renovation completed summer 2015
Fairfax Corner
Fairfax
Opened: 2003
Shops & restaurants: 50
Of note: A 150,000-square-foot office building and 900-space parking garage will commence construction in 2016; Soft Surroundings recently opened its first store in the D.C.-Metro area.
Mosaic
Merrifield
Opened: 2012
Shops & restaurants: 60+
Of note: NoVA’s first niche perfumery, Arielle Shoshana, recently opened, as did restaurants DGS Delicatessen and Brine Raw Bar & Rotisserie from the Rappahannock Oyster Company.
Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center
Woodbridge
Opened: 2010
Shops & restaurants: 30+
Of note: Stores and restaurants set to open in 2016 include: Burger Fi, Massage Envy, Sushi Jin and Lane Bryant.
One Loudoun
Ashburn
Opened: 2012
Shops & restaurants: 25+
Of note: BOHO Nation and BOHO Blanco are opening in the spring, and a coffee shop is soon to be announced; Barnes and Noble coming in 2017
Brambleton Town Center
Brambleton
Opened: 2005
Shops & restaurants: 40+
Of note: The town center is scheduled to add a public library.
Reston Town Center
Reston
Opened: 1990, most recent phase 2009
Shops & restaurants: 85+
Of note: Second NoVA Kendra Scott Boutique coming soon, as well as Madewell
(January 2016)
