Friends to Lovers Bookstore Announces Holiday Pop-Ups

After a fire shuttered its original location, Alexandria’s romance bookstore is rebuilding through pop-ups, scavenger hunts, and a new long-term space.

By Anjoleigh Schindler • Posted December 9, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.

Courtesy Jamie Fortin

After a fire halted its operations, Friends to Lovers Bookstore is using pop-ups to prove that romance always finds a way.

When the original location of the all-romance bookstore at 103 S. Saint Asaph St. suffered extensive smoke damage due to a fire on November 17, owner Jamie Fortin and the rest of the Friends to Lovers team wasted no time rebuilding their presence.

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Friends to Lovers has a new long-term location at 108 N. St. Asaph St., where it shares a space with Wine Gallery 108. Plus, the bookstore has launched a series of pop-up events and a scavenger hunt map featuring genre-themed bookshelves across Alexandria.

The space will serve as the store’s hub while restoration efforts continue. Visitors can expect a mix of genres and exclusive merchandise at the new location and other pop-up events.

Here’s where else you can find Friends to Lovers in Alexandria.

Patagonia Holiday Market

December 21, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

See Friends to Lovers at a holiday market in the Patagonia store in Old Town, just down the road on King Street. Patagonia Old Town: 815 ½ King St., Alexandria

St. Asaph Sidewalk Stroll

December 21, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Friends to Lovers will participate in a sidewalk sale outside its spot on Saint Asaph Street, along with neighboring businesses like Eries Interiors, Little Birdies, and more. 108 N. St. Asaph St., Alexandria

The Lovebird Scavenger Hunt

And for those who love a treasure hunt, the Lovebird Scavenger Hunt Map features miniature Friends to Lovers bookshelves at these Alexandria spots, each with a specific genre theme. The pop-ups at the businesses below will be available through December 31.