Business & Tech
Forge Industrial Works Opens In Old Town Alexandria
The new Old Town Alexandria shop sells unique antiques found in markets across the East Coast.
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Michelle and Scott Mitchell travel at least once a month in search of antiques at markets around the East Coast. Now they've turned that passion into a business.
Forge Industrial Works opened its doors at 128 South Royal Street to offer collections of industrial furniture, antiques, gifts, home accessories, jewelry and more. The store has been in business since end of July but celebrated its grand opening Thursday, Sept. 21.
With products from the Dallas market to Allentown, Pa. and the famous Brimfield Antique Show in Massachusetts, Alexandria shoppers don't need to leave town to find a diverse set of antiques.
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"We've been up and down the East Coast looking...for things you can't find anywhere else," Michelle Mitchell told Patch.
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Another highlight is handmade products from Threads by Nomad, co-owned by Alexandria's own Christen Kinard. The Houston-based company sells clothing and lifestyle products made by refugees and often hold pop-up shops in Alexandria.
Kinard told Patch the company celebrates "the beauty of diversity" and gives a platform for entrepreneurs from around the globe. "As long as they are willing to work hard, we will hire them."
The products sold at Forge Industrial Works include scarves made by a Afghani mother affected by Hurricane Harvey in Houston. Other products include pillows, bags, clothing and more.
The Mitchells are especially excited to open as the Christmas season rolls around, when they'll bring in products like antique jingle bells. For now, customers can stock up on charming fall and Halloween decor.
The couple also co-owns Kaizen Tavern have also opened a new Del Ray restaurant called Snackbar, in the former location of Caboose Cafe (2419 Mt Vernon Avenue). Snackbar opened this week after Caboose's Rhoda Worku decided to retire. But the Mitchells say they want to keep some of the Ethiopian offerings from Caboose and. The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch and closes at 3 p.m. for remodeling. Adding dinner hours and foods is in the works.
Hours for Forge Industrial Works are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday noon - 6 p.m.
Images via Patch staff
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