Have you ever been haunted by a pair of shoes you fell in love with but left behind? Now, it’s been a year, and you’re sure they’re gone forever, sent to some discount liquidator. Luckily, that’s not the case in Old Town Alexandria. P.S. The Hive is a new boutique outlet that just opened to bring together discounted merchandise, including past season finds, from independent retailers at discounts of 50 to 80 percent.
The goal is to provide a space where small businesses can sell the past season’s item and overstock items at a discount to their client bases rather than shipping them to a liquidator at pennies on the dollar.
This gives retailers a second chance to sell their curated items and customers an opportunity to buy gorgeous designer goods at a fraction of the cost.
The shop at 301 Cameron St. is open Wednesdays through Sundays.
We talked with Elizabeth Todd, owner of The Shoe Hive, The Hive, and now, P.S. The Hive, about her dream, the inventory, the discounts, and what you can expect in this new shop.
What can shoppers expect from the new space?
I like to tell folks that it is kind of a Nordstrom Rack for independent retailers. We don’t have a place to send our off-season merchandise, which is still a collection of really great pieces, so this was a way for The Hive and The Shoe Hive to offer discounted items and allow other boutiques in the region to send their merchandise as well.
What kind of items will be there?
We have so many great items and so many other brands besides what you are used to seeing at The Hive and The Shoe Hive. It is really a mix of seasons as well. We also have a gift selection as well.
What brands will be represented?
You will see some of our stand-by brands like Veronica Beard, Ulla Johnson, and Citizens of Humanity, but then there are tons of other great brands you might not yet know, like Amanda Uprichard, Farm Rio, Rails, and DL Denim.
What will the discounts look like at this outlet? Will it be primarily past season items?
It is a mix of both past season and overstock items. Most items are 50 to 70 percent off. It is really a mix of all seasons.
Is there anything else you want shoppers to know?
It has been fun to see everyone’s embrace of this concept. People are enjoying this new option, and everyone loves a great deal. It is such a win-win for everyone. It helps the stores move older inventory and of course customers love all the great finds.
301 Cameron St., Alexandria
Feature image courtesy The Hive/Facebook
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