By Laetitia Haddad
Want to stay up to date on all the latest trends? Need a new pair of running shoes? How about some fresh produce, or an antique rug? Maybe you’re just craving some quality retail therapy. Luckily, shopping in the Georgetown neighborhood and the greater Washington, D.C. area can be affordable, efficient and enjoyable — the perfect way to spend an afternoon or weekend!
Georgetown University is located a couple of blocks from M Street and Wisconsin Avenue, two major thoroughfares known for their blend of affordable brands, higher-end fashion and boutique stores. A wide variety of stores are available a mere 15 minutes from campus.
For well-priced, trendy clothing, check out H&M (3222 M St. NW), Brandy Melville (3307 M St. NW) or T.J. Maxx (3254 M St. NW). If you’re willing to spend a bit more, Everlane (3259 M St. NW) is known for its jeans and sustainable basics, and Anthropologie (3222 M St. NW) is a great place to buy a gift or some home decor to spruce up your dorm space. Urban Outfitters in Georgetown (3111 M St. NW) is known for its giant sale room at the back of the store. Abercrombie (1208 Wisconsin Ave. NW), Aritzia (3210 M St. NW), Madewell (1237 Wisconsin Ave. NW) and Reformation (3033 M St. NW) are other popular shopping destinations.
For skin care necessities and makeup splurges, stop by Sephora (3241 M St. NW), Bluemercury (3059 M St. NW) or the new Glossier store (3065 M St. NW), which just opened in late July. If you want to head to Georgetown’s on-campus gym, Yates Field House, but need some workout gear, head to Nike (3040 M St. NW), Lululemon (3265 M St. NW) or Athleta (3229 M St. NW).
Want to grab a coffee and browse a bookstore? Stop by Compass Coffee (1351 Wisconsin Ave. NW) or Foxtrot (1267 Wisconsin Ave. NW), and then check out The Lantern Bookshop (3241 P St. NW), which is closer to campus, or Bridge Street Books (2814 Pennsylvania Ave. NW), which is a bit further. Either way, you’re bound to find your next favorite book.
If you have a Sunday morning to spare, check out the Georgetown flea market (1819 35th St. NW). Its vendors sell a variety of treasures, from antiques and vintage jewelry to framed posters and thrifted clothing. Shop Made in D.C. (1304 Wisconsin Ave. NW) presents products from independent, local businesses. The store is a wonderful place to pick up a unique craft, artisan food goods, handmade jewelry or D.C. memorabilia.
Sometimes, Leo’s dining hall food just doesn’t hit the spot. If you’re craving some fresh produce, head to the Rose Park Farmer’s Market (1401 27th St. NW), which operates seasonally on Wednesdays from 3-7 p.m. Similarly, venture over to the Dupont Circle Farmers Market (1600 20th St. NW) on Sunday between 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
For more shopping variety, there are retail destinations accessible by bus or metro in the greater D.C. area. Tyson’s Corner Center Mall (1961 Chain Bridge Rd.) is an expansive indoor mall in Northern Virginia on the Silver Line. This mall boasts many popular brands like Brooks Brothers, Free People, Cotton On and The North Face as well as Bloomingdale’s and Barnes & Noble. For a smaller mall, check out the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City (1100 S Hayes St.), accessible by the Blue and Yellow Lines. Stores include department stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom as well as popular shops like Aerie, Levi’s, Zara, Steve Madden and J. Crew.
At Georgetown University, a bustling city with a variety of opportunities to explore — including great shopping — is at your fingertips. From second-hand stores to big brand names, there is a plethora of accessible retail options available to Georgetown students in the neighborhood and greater District.
