Halloween is still lurking around the corner, but Tysons Corner Center has a treat in store for anyone who wants to get a head start on their Christmas shopping lists.
Returning to Tysons after a stint at Fair Oaks Mall in 2023, Creative Collective will open a pop-up holiday shop at the mall on Oct. 25, occupying a currently vacant space on the first floor across from Camp through Dec. 24.
Established in 2017, Creative Collective provides brick-and-mortar retail space for small, locally owned businesses, which also get assistance with staffing, interior design, marketing and management.
When choosing partners, the company typically looks for brands “with distinct personalities or identities that sell products that one cannot generally find in chain stores,” owners Aurelou Cole and Wendy Whittleton told FFXnow.
“We secure retail space in thriving areas,” they said by email, noting that the cost of commercial space and lack of exposure can be obstacles to getting a brick-and-mortar store for many small or up-and-coming businesses. “We curate the collection of small businesses so that the products on offer appeal, both in terms of the variety of items and the price range of the items, to a diverse customer base.”
After testing its concept with a pop-up in Georgetown from August through December 2017, Creative Collective began regularly appearing at Tysons Corner Center with holiday shops in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022. They switched to a virtual format in 2020.
Tysons has also gotten Valentine’s Day and spring pop-up shops in recent years.
According to Cole and Whittleton, the upcoming holiday pop-up will be similar to the one in 2022, which featured over 40 local businesses, artisans and makers. This year, the space is smaller, allowing only 16 participants.
However, customers can still expect to see a variety of products, ranging from jewelry and clothes to candles, beauty and skincare items, stationary and artwork. In the past, businesses have sometimes offered customization options or hosted workshops, such as cookie-decorating classes.
“Through our experiences, we have found that customers are excited and eager to support small, local, and women-owned businesses,” Cole and Whittleton said. “During the holidays in particular, the desire by customers to give handcrafted or one-of-a-kind items to loved ones is especially strong.”
Other changes to expect at Tysons Corner Center this fall include the opening of Yeti, the outdoor drinkware company, and relocations for some existing retailers like Lush and Nespresso.
As previously reported, signs have also gone up for Popeyes, Fashion Q and Bora Bora Smoothie Cafe, but it’s unclear when they’re planning to open.
