Town Center Small Businesses Band Together for ‘Support Sundays’

Independent retailers at Reston Town Center are joining forces in the effort to entice patrons to shop local and support small businesses.

Fourteen businesses are participating in the “Small Business Support Sundays” promotion, which will begin this Sunday at the Town Center. Each will be offering specials, freebies and other treats between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. through Aug. 27.

Leslie Combemale, co-owner of ArtInsights Gallery of Film and Contemporary Art (11921 Freedom Drive) is leading the effort.

“Some would be surprised at the number of independent, small businesses that make their living at Reston Town Center,” she said. “We hope the public will make the effort to visit us, at least every Sunday, to enjoy the specials and free offerings.”

The initiative’s goals, she said, are for recognition of the quantity and quality of small businesses operating at Reston Town Center. She also said some larger chain shops are throwing their support behind the initiative, as many of the managers are local residents.

Family-owned business Pitango Gelato (11942 Democracy Drive) is also participating. Its manager, Alisa Dan, said the initiative is “an opportunity for Pitango to give back and support our awesome neighbors.”

“We are lucky to be rooted in communities that stand by our delicious offerings,” Dan said.

Other businesses participating in the initiative include:

• American Tap Room (1811 Library St.)
• Athleta (11923 Market St.)
• Davelle Clothiers (11921 Freedom Drive)
• Edibles Incredible (11917 Freedom Drive)
• Eyewear Gallery (11900 Market St.)
• Mon Ami Gabi (11950 Democracy Drive)
• Il Fornaio (11990 Market St.)
• PassionFish (11960 Democracy Drive)
• Scrawl Books (11862 Market St.)
• The Tasting Room (1816 Library St.)

In addition, Pottery Barn (11937 Market St.) will host local and national pop-up shops each Sunday. There will also be Art in the Park each Sunday evening through Aug. 13, from 7-8 p.m., with a variety of free performances by the Shenandoah Conservancy.

All parking is free at Reston Town Center on Sundays. For more information, including specifics about offerings, visit the initiative’s website or find it on Facebook.