6 Virginia Stores to Support During Independent Retailers Month

July is Independent Retailers Month. These small businesses source products to sell at their brick-and-mortar locations—and surprise, Virginia has a ton of them!

This month and beyond, make sure you show some love to your city’s local retailers.

Clothing Retailers and Boutiques

AlterNatives (Richmond)

AlterNatives is a woman- and indigenous-owned clothing, textile, and homeware boutique in Richmond. Their goal is simple: Empower and emphasize indigenous craftsmanship through selling and promoting their products, as well as other outreach. 

The boutique works in conjunction with the Highland Support Project (HSP), promoting a fair trade market for the Indigenous product marketplace. Through this outreach and promotion, native communities can bolster their local communities. AlterNatives sells indigenous-made textiles, which are incorporated into clothing, household decor, and other products. 

Support this retailer with a purpose this Indie Retalier’s month.

Golden Hour Boutique (Virginia Beach)

Golden Hour Boutique specializes in trendy, size-inclusive clothing and accessories. Established in 2021 in Virginia Beach, Golden Hour prioritizes acceptance with its motto, “Kindness is golden.” 

The carefully selected boutique pieces embody style and inclusivity—and with daily deliveries, there is no end to the fashionable possibilities Golden Hour provides. 

Your support is golden for them this July, so give them a visit. 

Book Retailers

Shelf Life Books (Richmond)

Known as the premier independent bookstore in Richmond, Shelf Life Books has become a community staple after 20 years in business. Shelf Life carries both well-known titles and those written by local authors. If you want to support a local business and local writers, then Shelf Life is the place for you. 

Give them, and their two store cats, Mylar and Page, a visit this Independent Retailers month.

Eleanor’s Bookstore & Bottle Shop (Norfolk)

Ever heard of a bookstore in a bottle shop? Then look no farther than Eleanor’s in Norfolk! This small business sells curated radical literature and various spirits. Check out their new drink subscription boxes with selections of wine, cider, beer, and more! 

Not sure what booze to pair with your new book? Eleanor’s has the perfect pairings for your literature with their pairings list. Whether you’re there for the booze or the books, make sure to visit Eleanor’s Bookstore and Bottle Shop this month to support your local retailer. 

Music Retailers

CD Cellar (Falls Church)

After 32 years in business, CD Cellar is still Falls Church’s go-to place for all music needs. After their move in 2016, CD Cellar is stronger than ever, and a music collector’s dream store. This family-owned business sells both new and pre-owned CDs, vinyl records, DVDs, cassette tapes, and more.

Be sure to check out their newest releases, and their classics this Independent Retailers Month. 

Melody Supreme (Charlottesville)

Melody Supreme is not only a responsible record store, but they were also named the best in Virginia by the website Vinylmeplease.com. This independent record store is far from the typical hole-in-the-wall shop; Melody Supreme takes great care in its products so that they stand the test of time. 

Every vinyl they receive is cleaned, graded, and priced based on its condition. No more worrying about whether your newly purchased vinyl will actually work, and no more up-charging for records in poor condition!

Show your support for Melody Supreme this Independent Retailers Month.