This is a column written and sponsored by Arlington Arts / Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.
The MADE IN ARLINGTON pop-up retail market is dedicated to beautiful, wearable and edible wares from entrepreneurs and artisans in Arlington, VA. You’ll find them in a new home this fall at the Library Plaza Shop in Courthouse.
In a partnership with Arlington Public Library, the retail mini market will be part of the Plaza Shop for November and December, offering unique items beyond the regular Arlington logo hats and t-shirts. Patrons will find custom chocolates, home goods, puzzles, coffee and more right in time for holiday shopping.
Starting with Livin’ the Pie Life on November 2, weekly pop-ups in the lobby will host more Arlington artisans who will be on hand every Thursday from 11am – 2pm.
This year, MADE IN ARLINGTON welcomes several new makers. Stas Casa from Can You Solve Me has been making unique brainteaser puzzles at TechShop in Crystal City. Stas is a Moldovan born entrepreneur whose passion for puzzles took root when he first solved the Rubik’s Cube. After a 7 year career in finance at Bloomberg, LP, he followed his entrepreneurial spirit and founded Can You Solve Me.
For fitness fans, Arlington Weaves brings beautiful hand woven yoga mat straps to the shop. The weaving studio on Washington Blvd, a signature program of Arlington Department of Human Services and administered by Service Source, has been the training and support center for artisans with intellectual disabilities for many years.
Sponsored by Arlington Economic Development, the pop-up shop is another way the County supports collaborations, small businesses and entrepreneurs through initiatives like Creative Economy and BizLaunch.
The Plaza Shop is located on the 1st Floor lobby of 2100 Clarendon Blvd and will be open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. unless otherwise noted.