Owner Valeria Ianieri adjusts a merchandise display April 20 at The Old Town Shop at 105 S. Union St. The shop opened last month and will celebrate with a grand opening April 28. Photo by Jeanne Theismann.
“Decorating your home should be a fun experience. Our goal is to take stress out of it for the customer.” — Designer Susan Nelson of Home on Cameron
After soft openings last month, two new retail shops are set to mark their arrival in Old Town with grand opening celebration events this week.
Home On Cameron, a retail and design service shop located at 315 Cameron St., will host an opening night reception April 27 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The shop is a collaboration of designers Susan Nelson and Todd Martz.
“Our opening night will be a ‘block party’ of sorts,” said Nelson. “The other retailers on the 300 block of Cameron are joining in with their own specials that night. It should be a fun evening for everyone.”
Home On Cameron features a curated collection of upholstered furniture, custom dining, console and coffee tables crafted by a local DC cabinetmaker, antiques, couture chandeliers, lamps, colorful ceramics, wooden toys and dog items.
“We want the store to be fun,” added Nelson, who is an Old Town resident. “Decorating your home should be a fun experience. Our goal is to take stress out of it for the customer.”
Hours for the shop, which is closed on Mondays, vary: Tuesday by appointment; Wednesday, Friday and Saturday – 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and noon-4 p.m. on Sunday.
“Of course Todd and I are flexible,” said Nelson. “If someone needs to come by after hours, we will make ourselves available by appointment.”
Contact Home On Cameron at 703-888-1475 or www.homeoncameron.com
At 105 S. Union St., Valerie Ianieri has opened The Old Town Shop in the space formerly occupied by Firehook Bakery (and briefly by Ladyburg Bath and Body Apothecary). The store offers a selection of custom gifts and Old Town Alexandria merchandise.
“Ever since The Virginia Shop closed, Alexandria has not had a shop celebrating Old Town and our historic heritage,” said Ianieri. “I’ve tried to capture what makes us special in custom merchandise and products from local artisans.”
In addition to custom items celebrating Alexandria’s maritime heritage, The Old Town Shop features a variety of local artisan products that are offered at the Old Town Farmers Market in the section of the store called “Locals’ Alley.”
“Not everyone can make it to the Farmers Market on Saturday mornings,” added Ianieri, who is an Old Town resident. “This is a way to highlight some of our unique products.”
In addition, The Old Town Shop has created custom designed “OTX” and Old Town Alexandria branded merchandise. Other gifts include gourmet food, books, collectives and hospitality gifts. “The Port” is the section of the store that promotes the history of Alexandria, known as The Port City, with a representation of 12 state mile markers to depict the historic importance of the area.
“Old Town is a very special place,” said Ianieri. “My goal is to celebrate what makes us unique and to share that with residents as well as visitors to Alexandria.”
Hours for The Old Town Shop are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sundays. 703-684-4682 or www.theoldtownshop.com