We know D.C. Get our free newsletter to stay in the know.
Processing…
Success! You're on the list.
Whoops! There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Please reload the page and try again.
Not so long ago, a small business would think of competition in terms of a new store that opened down the block. Now, competition can be summarized in one word: Amazon.
Think of this common scenario: You walk into a local store and find an interesting book. The small business is selling it at the list price. You think to yourself, “I bet I can get this cheaper.” So, you take out your phone, open the Amazon app, and find the book for $5 less.
What do you do?
Logic (and your bank account) would dictate that you go for the lower price, right? But if you think in terms of spending dollars as a “vote” for a store, what is the cost of voting for Amazon or a chain store versus something that’s independent?
D.C. is already seeing the effects. Looking at a May 2014 list of “D.C.’s 38 Best Independent Boutiques” on the website Racked finds that nine of those stores have since closed. Local businesses are not only fighting online retailers, but are also sweating out rent increases and thinner margins. In the meantime, some larger chain stores—especially high end (Dior! Gucci! Hermès!)—have moved in, giving the illusion of a city bustling with retail.
But the bottom line is that your dollars go back into the local economy when spent at small businesses. A report from the American Independent Business Alliance is unequivocal: “Independent retailers return more than three times as much money per dollar of sales than chain competitors.” That means you can have a direct impact on D.C., your neighbors, and even your block when you shop at non-chain stores.
The not-so-secret news is that shopping local means paying a little more. The local Mom & Pop Shop isn’t buying in bulk. It has to cover the cost of a lease, insurance, products, product loss, employees, maintenance, technology, packaging, and postage. But they still decide to give it a go. They still decide to keep a store running in a market that is attempting, at many turns, to push them out.
Supporting an independent store means competition for big box chains. It means in-depth product knowledge and the possibility that someone will know your name when you walk through the door. It means money will stay in your community. It means that the District won’t turn into one giant shopping mall.
The great news is that D.C.’s independent stores are rocking it this season with amazing gift possibilities. The following is full of enticing gifts from local stores, makers, and artists. This holiday season vote with your dollars. If you’re concerned about your budget, remember it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Shop local when you can, where you can. Every little bit helps.
Use the map to explore by location. After clicking a location, click the name of an item to read more.
$50 and Under
Don’t Take That Tone With Me
Discover the history of fashion through vivid Pantone hues.
Pantone on Fashion: A Century of Color in Design, by Leatrice Eiseman and E.P. Cutler, $35. Lou Lou. 1601 Connecticut Ave. NW. (202) 588-0027.
A perfect bar tool for the friend who doesn’t have extra counter space: This brass-plated gadget is a corkscrew, jigger, ice hammer, and bottle opener all in one.
4-in-1 bar tool, $38. Salt & Sundry. Union Market, 1309 5th St. NE. (202) 556-1866.
Admit it: RBG is your favorite Supreme. Read about Ginsburg’s life and work in this bestselling book.
Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik, $19.99. Upshur Street Books. 827 Upshur St. NW. (202) 762-0380.
A ThunderShirt is designed to provide constant, gentle pressure on your pet’s torso. The result is a calming effect that will soothe your scaredy cat during times of high anxiety.
ThunderShirt, $45.49. Metro Mutts. 407 8th St. SE. (202) 546-7387.
Chef and restaurant luminary José Andrés wants you to sample his caviar at your next holiday gathering. It’s hand-collected by divers off of the Galician coast in Spain.
José Andrés sea urchin caviar, $39.95. The Mediterranean Way Gourmet Market. 1717 Connecticut Ave. NW. (202) 560-5715.
Bring a basket of goodies from Righteous Cheese and you’ll be the belle of the house party. It features tasty edibles from local vendors in D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
The Locavore, $69.99. Righteous Cheese. Union Market, 1309 5th St. NE. (202) 716-3320.
Bring out refreshments on a beautiful floral tray. The vivid red hue of the amaryllis is perfect for the holiday season, but the tray can be displayed year-round.
Red amaryllis tray, $85. Homebody/Forecast. 218 7th St. SE. (202) 544-8445.
Want to remember your favorite soireés? Gift a Giving Plate. Guests sign and date it on the back, then it is passed on to someone else in your group to do the same.
This strategy game gives kids eight and older the chance to imagine themselves in the mythical forest of Dragonwood where they encounter ogres, trolls, and (of course) dragons!.
This wooden ring hails from Tanzania. Its minimalist design means your outfit can change from day to night, but the ring can stay firmly on your finger.
Upogoupogo ring, $30. Nubian Hueman. Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Road SE. (202) 394-3386.
hunnybunny boutique handcrafts bath and beauty products using all-natural ingredients. This lush soap is made with French rose clay and apricot kernel oil.
Rose clay soap, $5. hunnybunny boutique. 311 8th St. NE. (202) 792-5209.
Clip this small light to a dog collar, running shoe, or backpack. One setting will keep the light burning bright while the other will create a strobe effect.
A Crystal City–based inventor created these clever clips. Attach them to your cuffed jeans and it will keep pants tucked securely into boots (no more baggy knees!). .
Lotus Blooms offers a dazzling selection of corsets from sizes XXS through 4X and larger. Make an appointment or just walk in, and staff members can help you find the best fit.
Enjoy a decadent treat by the D.C. area’s first bean-to-bar chocolate maker. The product is handcrafted in Woodbridge, Va., using exceptional ingredients.
Potomac chocolate, $6.99. Glen’s Garden Market. 2001 S St. NW. (202) 588-5698.
The Washington Ballet presents a stunning version of the Nutcracker that evokes our nation’s history with George Washington as the Nutcracker and King George III as the Rat King.
The Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker, ticket prices vary. Performed at the Warner Theater. 513 13th St. NW. washingtonballet.org.
Artist Santodio Paz Juarez employs an ancient technique that uses a wooden paddle and a stone (instead of a potter’s wheel) to create his stunning vases.
Artist Ben Ross started designing bowties when he needed groomsman’s gifts for his wedding. The feathers are sustainably sourced in the U.S. and the bowties are handcrafted in South Carolina. .
In one of the most brilliant moves in accessory history, this belt is one size fits all, making it an easy gift for anyone on your list. It doesn’t have holes, but instead “clicks” into plac.
Encourage the blossoming mixologist in your life with a homemade gin kit. The set includes the correct tools to ensure your friend’s kitchen is the best gin joint in town. .
A handkerchief is both classy and functional. Philadelphia’s Forage Haberdashery handcrafts their kerchiefs in limited numbers using new, vintage, and deadstock fabrics.
Forage Haberdashery handkerchief, $32. Salt & Sundry. Union Market, 1309 5th St NE. (202) 556-1866.
Sailors originally wore the pea coat, and it remains a classic piece of apparel. This one was created with a wool-blend fabric and was designed in Britain.
Pea coat, $149. Whiskey Ginger. 1603 U St. NW. (202) 791-0851.
Business owner Katie Stack will teach your craftiest pal how to finish and dye a leather belt. She’ll learn about edge beveling, burnishing, mixing dye colors, and applying finish. .
Leather belt-making workshop (next class is Jan.13), $75. Stitch & Rivet. 716 Monroe St. NE, Studio #3. (202) 340-3581.
Give the gift of pasta to that friend who’s always wanted to open a restaurant. She’ll learn how to make tortellini en brodo, cannelloni with fennel sausage, and braised veal cheeks Milanese.
Italian-style comfort food class (next class is Jan. 9), $45. Urbana. 2121 P St. NW. (202) 956-6650.