The Artisans co-owner, Shannon Denny Price, hangs up some of the new felt ornaments in the shop. Photo by Reena Singh.
Shannon Denny Price has seen her shop, The Artisans, move three times in the last 25 years.
As a veteran of the holiday season, the shop co-owner has already begun filling the store with holiday decor as well as gifts and stocking stuffers of all price points. Christmas trees, themed wreaths and ornaments will all be available for purchase.
“Jewelry is probably one of the top selling items for the holidays,” Denny Price said.
In addition to the ornaments, jewelry and hand lotions, among many other items, the shop also has a “man corner” where presents and stocking stuffers, like a moose wine stopper or decorative socks, can be found.
“We know that men can be hard to shop for,” said Denny Price.
The shop is so packed with high quality, curated items from both local and national artists and artisans that it is impossible to see everything just on the first lap around the store. Whether a customer looks low or high, everything from bug brooches to screenprinted eyeglasses holders can be found.
“We also do really well selling our scarves,” she said.
Some of the scarves and mittens are made from recycled sweaters, bringing some personality and a story to every piece.
Sales associate Ramita Upreti said she loves working in the shop as much as she loves to buy items from it. She has been working at The Artisans for eight years.
“I love this store,” she said. “I buy so much here.”
She said the nicer, more expensive jewelry and silk scarves always sell fast during the holidays.
Denny Price was beginning to hang the ornaments in the shop last week - some of which included hedgehogs and mermaids. Additionally, an array of Hanukkah items, like silver menorahs, necklaces and even a challah bread mold for the gluten intolerant, are available. One jeweled menorah, she said, already has been sold recently.
Many of her items, she said, are found during large craft fairs and online wholesale shops year around.
“I personally don’t like buying online, though, because I like to touch and feel things,” she said. “It’s really nice to be able to talk to the artist and ask them how they make things.”
Just like previous years, The Artisans will be participating in Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29.
“We’ll probably be having a special that weekend,” she said. “We usually promote one artist and have a special on those items. We’ll announce it on Facebook.”
The Artisans is located at 1368 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, and is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. More information about the store can be found at https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Artisans/119294704776694.