Photo courtesy of Canva
Here are the top 12 things people from VA buy online, plus where you can buy them from a local business in northern Virginia instead
In an age when we can have whatever we want delivered to us with just a few clicks on a screen, it’s nice to support local commerce by buying from businesses that are based in our own backyards.
We’ve identified 12 of the top things people from Virginia buy online, then tracked down the places in northern Virginia where you can buy them from a local business instead.
Clothing, Shoes, Bags and Accessories
Location: Fairfax
Photo courtesy of Mode on Main by Mara
If you’re looking for clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories, Mode on Main by Mara is the place for you. It’s a lifestyle boutique that sells clothes and accessories for all ages. “We partner with and represent small designers with diversity and sustainability in mind,” the store’s website reads. “We pride ourselves in our style expertise, providing a personal shopping experience.”
Food and Beverages
Location: Fairfax
Wine enthusiasts will love pursuing the isles of Swirl & Sip in person given its extensive offerings. “You’ll find a highly curated collection of fine wines that seriously over-deliver on quality compared to their prices,” the site reads. “You’ll find over 500 incredible values available in our store, most of which range from $10-$25.”
Cosmetics and Body Care
Location: Old Town Alexandria
It can be difficult to know if you have the right shade of lipstick or eyeshadow when buying online. Instead of chancing it, consider visiting Bellacara, a boutique for high-end cosmetic, skin-care and hair-care products. “At Bellacara you will find premiere beauty products that have been carefully edited by the store’s owner, who personally tests all the products sold in store,” the boutique’s site states.
Pet Products
Location: Fairfax, Chantilly, Reston and McLean
When you need food or toys for your pet, the family-owned-and-operated Weber’s Pet Supermarket has a sterling reputation. It’s been in business since 1979. The store’s mission is to provide a “blend of products you and your pets want and the knowledge and friendly advice you deserve.”
Books, Movies, Music and Games
Location: Warrenton
Photo courtesy of The Open Book
Instead of ordering from Amazon, bibliophiles should check out The Open Book, which bills itself as “a shop designed for booklovers.” The independent, locally owned bookstore opened in 2019. “The Open Book is, at its core, a place to find books for all ages and reading interests,” the site reads. “A full-service shop, The Open Book stocks its shelves with thousands of titles, both new and classic, while also offering customers the option of ordering books from our extensive online catalog and keeping the dollars of online sales local.”
Drugstore and Health Products
Location: Gainesville
While it’s efficient to order medications and health products online and have them delivered to your front door, the familiarity of a friendly neighborhood pharmacist can’t be replaced. For that reason, consider stopping at Staywell Pharmacy the next time you need a health product. The locally owned pharmacy strives to “deliver affordable services, comprehensive pharmacy consultations, and unparalleled assistance,” according to its website.
Consumer Electronics
Location: Tysons Corner
If you decide to update your home entertainment system, Evolution Audio Video has you covered. “With over 12 years of experience, Evolution Audio Video believes in providing our customers with unparalleled value offering many price-points in equipment so that high performance audio and video can be attained with any budget,” the store’s website states. A bonus of shopping in-person is that you get to test out the systems in the large showroom.
Toys and Baby Products
Location: Manassas
Photo courtesy of Kerbobble Toys
Shop for the kid in your life at Kerbobble Toys, which carries a unique mixture of new and used toys, comic books, and games. “As a family of collectors and bargain-hunters, we decided to bring our love of finding old treasures and our passion for toys together to create Kerbobble Toys,” the family-owned business states on its website. “You never know what treasure you’ll find at Kerbobble Toys because our products are always changing.” All used toys are carefully selected and inspected before being put up for sale.
Furniture and Household Goods
Location: Fairfax
The next time you decide to update your furniture, turn to Mclean Furniture Gallery, which represents more than 40 manufacturers, including heritage American furniture companies. “Whether you are looking to update a few pieces in your favorite room or just purchased a new home, we are your ideal design partner,” the website reads.
Household Appliances
Location: Arlington
Buying household appliances online can be tricky—choose instead to check out the inventory at Glebe Radio & Appliances. “We have the personal service you deserve,” the store’s website states. “Firstly, we have excellent installation technicians. Secondly, we ensure nothing but on-time deliveries. And, lastly, our prices are very affordable and competitive! Above all, our customers trust us because we are locally owned.” The store has been owned by the Wharton family for 65 years.
Sports and Outdoor Products
Location: Chantilly
Those with sporting apparel and equipment needs should consider turning to Sports Plus. “For over 40 years, we’ve been a cornerstone of the sports community, providing top-notch gear and exceptional service to athletes,” the store’s website reads. “Our commitment to quality is reflected in our carefully curated selection of products, featuring the latest offerings from all the top brands in the industry.
Stationery and Hobby Supplies
Location: Occoquan
Photo courtesy of Hitchcock Paper Co.
When you need special stationery, turn to Hitchcock Paper Co. “We present beautiful and high-quality paper products from a wide selection of artists, small businesses, and favorite brands,” the boutique states on its site. “In addition to cards and stationery we carry a curated selection of journals, calendars, gift wrap, craft supplies, planners, calligraphy supplies, pens, and artwork.”
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