Holiday pop-up shop opens this month at Tysons Corner Center

Halloween is still just around the corner, but Tysons Corner Center has a treat in store for anyone looking to get a head start on their holiday shopping lists.

After a stint at Fair Oaks Mall in 2023, Creative Collective is returning to Tysons and will open a pop-up holiday store at the mall on Oct. 25, occupying a currently vacant space on the first floor across from Camp through Dec. 24.

Founded in 2017, Creative Collective provides brick-and-mortar retail spaces for small, locally owned businesses that also receive support with staffing, interior design, marketing and management.

When selecting partners, the company typically looks for brands “with distinct personalities or identities that sell products not generally found in chain stores,” owners Aurelou Cole and Wendy Whittleton told FFXnow.

“We secure retail space in thriving areas,” they wrote via email, noting that the cost of commercial space and lack of exposure can be a barrier to locating a brick-and-mortar store for many small or emerging businesses. “We curate the small business collection so that the products offered appeal to a diverse customer base in terms of both the variety of items and the price range of the items.”

After testing its concept with a pop-up in Georgetown from August to December 2017, Creative Collective began appearing regularly with holiday shopping at Tysons Corner Center in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022. In 2020 they switched to a virtual format.

Tysons has also opened Valentine’s Day and spring pop-up stores in recent years.

According to Cole and Whittleton, the upcoming holiday pop-up will be similar to the one in 2022, which featured over 40 local businesses, artisans and makers. This year the room is smaller and can only accommodate 16 participants.

However, customers can still expect a variety of products ranging from jewelry and clothing to candles, beauty and skin care items, stationery and artwork. In the past, companies have sometimes offered customization options or hosted workshops, such as cookie decorating classes.

“Through our experiences, we have found that customers are excited and eager to support small, local, women-owned businesses,” said Cole and Whittleton. “Customers’ desire to give their loved ones handmade or unique items is particularly strong during the holidays.”

Other changes expected at Tysons Corner Center this fall include the opening of Yeti, the outdoor beverage maker, and moves from some existing retailers such as Lush and Nespresso.

As previously reported, there are also signs for Popeyes, Fashion Q and Bora Bora Smoothie Cafe, but it’s unclear when they plan to open.