A new shop recently opened along Wisconsin Avenue in Washington, DC. Its a shop that captures the whimsy of its destination and the happiness of being on vacation. Its a shop that appeals to visitors and residents alike.
Its american/holiday in Georgetown.
Photo courtesy of american/holiday
Owned by Timothy Law and Julie Gallagher of mbox communications, american/holiday opened in Georgetown in September; the brand first launched in March with a shop in St. Michaels, Maryland.
Law says they opened the Georgetown location at the request of their customers, many of whom are Georgetown residents who visit St. Michaels on the weekends. American/holiday markets to tourists visiting that shop's destination as well as those who call that destination home.
Shoppers at american/holiday will find unique mementos to capture their visit, items to decorate their home and whimsical products just for fun. The products are useful, fun and affordable. Law wants the american/holiday customer to be attracted by the products and pleasantly surprised by the price point, especially in a neighborhood that's already bursting with upscale boutiques.
Inside the bright and airy shop is a treasure-trove of home goods: furniture, glassware, candles, linens, books, blankets and seasonal decorations. Some of the merchandise is destination specific, such as the artisan maps of DC that will soon be available at the Georgetown store. Some merchandise is unique to the brand itself, such as the Knotty Boy Apparel line, designed with a whimsy of confidence.
Law and Gallagher carefully select every item that they sell in their two stores. They look for products that are environmentally responsible, like their current collection of winter wear made of 100% recycled cotton. Even more important, though, is the story behind the product. They want to know where each product comes from and why its relevant so they can share that story with their customers.
"It's very important for us to understand the why, and the story behind the products we sell," says Gallagher. "We want to go beyond the brick and mortar so our customers feel that love and thoughtfulness in the store."
There are plans to open more shops following their customer-centric growth model; Law and Gallagher look to their customers to determine locations.
"We've had customers ask us to bring american/holiday to their neighborhood," says Law. "They'll even go as far as sharing the exact street where we should open our next shop."
This shop is certainly a welcome addition to Georgetown.
