FREDERIKSTED, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – November 27, 2023 – Just in time for the holiday season and in alignment with the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority’s (VIEDA) continuing efforts as an American Express Neighborhood Champion for the Shop Small® movement, VIEDA’s Enterprise Zone Commission (EZC) and the Virgin Islands Council for the Arts (VICA) are once again partnering to bring the Made in the USVI Pop-Up Shop back to St. Croix. The shop, located in the Dorsch Center for the Arts in Frederiksted, across from The Fred Hotel, will open on Thursday, November 30 and close on Saturday, December 2, 2023.
Residents and visitors of St. Croix are encouraged to visit the shop as they fulfill their holiday shopping checklist and celebrate the season. An assortment of 100% locally made products will be featured, such as USVI treats, woodwork, candles, beauty products, seasonings, bags, clothing, artwork, and much more.
The three-day period will be packed with not only USVI-crafted items but also free entertainment. On Thursday, November 30, 2023, Deri’andra Tucker will perform, and on Friday, December 1, 2023, Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights will ring in the season at the shop.
“Bringing the Made in the USVI Pop-Up Shop to St. Croix each year is a special treat for us and demonstrates our support of local manufacturers,” stated Nadine Marchena Kean, managing director of the Enterprise Zone Commission. “There are a variety of items from our talented artisans across the Territory in one location, making it easy to give your holiday shopping a unique USVI twist or to treat yourself to a piece of art or item of clothing that represents our rich culture. And foregoing the usual online shopping by visiting the pop-up shop not only helps to uplift our community but also gives you a chance to socialize, which is a huge part of the holiday season.”
The Made in the USVI initiative began with a partnership between EZC and VICA on the island of St. Thomas in December 2018, and expanded to locations on St. Croix and St. John over the five-year span of its existence. Earlier this year, a Made in the USVI kiosk was opened at Vendor’s Plaza in St. Thomas. It is surrounded by Made in the USVI-branded vendor kiosks to offer residents and visitors another opportunity to purchase these products when the pop-up shops are closed. Regardless of the location, however, the pop-up shop always carries items made by local manufacturers and artisans from all three islands.
The Made in the USVI Pop-Up Shop hours on St. Croix are 11:00 AM-7:00 PM on November 30 and December 1, and 9:00 AM-12:00 noon on December 2, 2023. A Made in the USVI pop-up shop will open on St. Thomas on December 14, 2023.
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