Just in time for the holidays, a new store specializing in cool stuff made in the Virgin Islands is opening up. USVI residents, visitors can ‘shop local’ for the holidays with the return of the “Made in the USVI” pop-up store located across from the famous Fort Christian.
The “Made in the USVI” pop-up store features locally-made products by 30 talented Virgin Islands artists, artisans and small manufacturers from across the territory. Pop-up store visitors can look forward to purchasing jewelry, clothing, home items such as candles, shower curtains, umbrellas, etc., and artwork such as posters and postcards, plus books, food and much more. These products are made in the USVI and represent USVI culture and heritage.
The “Made in the USVI” pop-up store, which first opened in December 2018 on St. Thomas, is designed to encourage residents and USVI visitors to ‘shop local’ and consider small businesses as an option when searching for holiday gifts. This is also an opportunity for local, small manufacturers to showcase and sell their products, network with potential wholesale buyers, and be a significant part of amplifying the USVI brand to the world.
“The Made in the USVI pop-up store was a tremendous success last year, and we are hoping for an even larger success this year. This store has helped many of our local artisans connect with new and existing customers and buyers who visited the store during the last holiday season,” said Nadine Marchena Kean, V.I. Economic Development Authority (USVIEDA) managing director of the Enterprise Zone Commission. “Through specific industry clusters that are featured at the store, the USVI brand can resonate with our residents and visitors from around the world. This initiative is also a significant part of economic development in the Territory through our small businesses,” added Mrs. Marchena Kean.