St. Croix Revives Celebrated ‘Made in the USVI’ Pop-Up Shop for Holiday Season, Showcasing Local Talent

As the festive season draws near, the V.I. Economic Development Authority, in collaboration with the V.I. Council for the Arts, is rekindling the spirit of local entrepreneurship with its highly anticipated ‘Made in the USVI’ Pop-Up Shop. This unique shopping experience, which champions locally-crafted products, will be hosted at the Dorsch Center for the Arts in Frederiksted from November 30 to December 2.

This year’s pop-up shop promises a rich display of exclusively local products, ranging from authentic USVI treats and intricate woodwork to handcrafted candles, beauty essentials, seasonings, bespoke bags, clothing, artwork, and more. It’s an exceptional opportunity for holiday shoppers to discover one-of-a-kind gifts and simultaneously bolster the local economy by supporting our skilled artisans and manufacturers.

Aligning with the American Express Neighborhood Champion for the Shop Small® movement, this event is more than just shopping; it’s a celebration. The pop-up shop will be enlivened with complimentary entertainment, contributing to the joyful holiday atmosphere.

The musical lineup is particularly exciting this year. Deri’andra Tucker is slated to perform on the opening day, November 30. The following day, December 1, will see Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights infusing the air with their live musical performances, enhancing the vibrant shopping experience.

Nadine Kean, the managing director of the Enterprise Zone Commission, expressed her enthusiasm for the event. “The Made in the USVI Pop-Up Shop’s return to St. Croix each year is not just an event; it’s a celebration of our local talent and a testament to our ongoing commitment to local manufacturers. These unique products mirror our rich culture and offer shoppers an engaging and community-centric holiday shopping experience,” she said.

Originating on St. Thomas in December 2018, the Made in the USVI initiative has grown to encompass St. Croix and St. John, spreading its reach over the past five years. In a significant development this year, a permanent Made in the USVI kiosk was inaugurated at Vendor’s Plaza in St. Thomas, flanked by branded vendor kiosks, ensuring that these local treasures are accessible to shoppers year-round, beyond the pop-up shop schedules.

The Made in the USVI Pop-Up Shop in St. Croix will welcome shoppers from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on November 30 and December 1, and from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon on December 2, 2023. In a move to extend this unique shopping experience, a similar pop-up event is planned to open on St. Thomas on December 14, 2023.