Old Town boutiques invite shoppers to 'Bloom Together' this weekend

Old Town's independent boutique community is welcoming shoppers back to King Street this weekend with Bloom Together, a three-day spring shopping event featuring gift card prizes of up to $1,000.

The Old Town Boutique Community's spring passport event runs Friday, March 20, through Sunday, March 22, across more than 20 participating stores. Shoppers who collect stamps at 10 locations become eligible for more than $500 in boutique gift cards, while those who visit 15 or more stores are entered to win gift cards totaling up to $1,000.

Shoppers can download a passport at oldtownboutiquecommunity.com or pick one up at any participating store. Completed passports may be turned in at any boutique — including a shopper's final stop.

Alexandria City Council member Alyia Gaskins promoted the event on social media Wednesday morning, urging residents to get out despite lingering cold temperatures.

"It's a great opportunity to shop local, to support our small businesses, and to get ready for spring," Gaskins said.

Participating stores span a wide range of retail categories, from fashion and footwear to books, toys, home décor, and wellness. They include Boxwood, fibre space, Mint Condition, Frances Valentine, The Shoe Hive & The Hive, Pacers Running, Old Town Books, Pippin Toy Co., and Salon deZEN, among others.

Store hours vary by location. Most participating boutiques open at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. Friday and Saturday, with reduced Sunday hours beginning at noon. Interior Instincts, Old Town Books and Pippin Toy Co. are among the stores open at 10 a.m. on Sunday. Lotus Blooms and Stitch Sew Shop offer evening hours, remaining open until 9 p.m. and 8 p.m., respectively, on Friday.

The Old Town Boutique Community represents more than 30 independent shops in historic Old Town Alexandria.

A full list of participating stores and hours is available at oldtownboutiquecommunity.com.