Treat offers women's designer clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories at sample sale prices.
Alexandria Originals
Name: Jennifer Donohue
Business Name: Treat
Address: 103 South St. Asaph Street, Alexandria, Virginia
Phone: 703.535.3294
Website: www.shoptreat.com
Treat offers women's designer clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories at sample sale prices.
What is your claim to fame?
Owner of Treat, the first and only "sample sale boutique" in the Washington DC area.
What makes you original and unique?
Treat is a unique concept in boutique shopping - we offer a highly edited selection of end of season and overstock designer items at deep discounts, similar to what you might find at a sample sale in New York City. I hand pick each style and strive to create the best collection of available inventory and provide our customers with great bargains.
Who or what inspired you to come to Alexandria?
I decided that Old Town was the best fit because of its small neighborhood feel and unique character - it's a special place where many one-of-a-kind, independent small businesses thrive. Each block in the city offers some of the most diverse and eclectic goods and services side by side. It makes for great exploring on foot.
What is your secret to success?
Hard work and the ability to roll with the punches. Running your own business presents new challenges every day, so you need to be prepared to put in long hours and be flexible. Having an incredible support network helps too - I would be lost if I didn't have my family or friends to lean on.
What is your proudest achievement?
Opening my business and then seeing it featured a few months later on the national pages of Lucky is definitely an accomplishment that I am proud of. But I think it's also important to celebrate the smaller achievements in life, too.
Best date idea in Alexandria?
In the summertime, nothing beats spending an afternoon in the warm sunshine at the Chart House patio, enjoying drinks and the waterfront views.
Favorite places to go for brunch, happy hour, dinner under the stars, lunch deals, and places to take your dog?
Fontaine Creperie for brunch - they make sweet and savory crepes plus delicious homemade quiche. Vermilion for happy hour - the cozy lounge is the perfect spot to grab a house drink like King St. Lemonade or a Birthday Cake Martini. Restaurant Eve for its Lickety Split lunch and Majestic Café for its Nana's Sunday dinners - great deals plus delicious food.
If you had friends visiting Alexandria what would you tell them to do and see during their visit?
I'd suggest visiting the Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings in front of City Hall, strolling through the artist stands at Torpedo Factory, shopping in the Old Town Boutique District and having a drink at Hotel Monaco. Finish off the day by taking a nighttime Ghost Tour.
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