The Gift Shop Offers A Hub for Black-Owned Products

The Gift Shop products. Image courtesy: Creative Theory Agency

Now open one full month, DC has a retailer exclusively dedicated to discovering, appreciating, and shopping Black-owned brands and makers.

The Gift Shop opened in the Union Market District and serves double duty as the headquarters for Creative Theory Agency, a marketing firm.  It will specialize in lifestyle and home goods from artisan makers such as Black Pepper Paperie Co., District of Clothing, River is Wild, ArtByJLaw, Ron David Studio, Destiny Cache, BlkOut, bEASH Please, The Mobelbutik, Charissmatic Creations, and Gift Shop originals by the Creative Theory Agency’s own team.

Creative Theory Agency co-founders Gary Williams, Jr. and Tamon George. Image courtesy: Creative Theory Agency

Items — a mix of ceramics, candles, vintage glassware, wallets, keychains, charcuterie boards, pillows, lamps, bijoux, playing cards, puzzles, and more — will range from $15 to $400. The retail store is set up to be a cultural hub for Black-owned concepts, some of which have never before had a brick-and-mortar presence, to offer physical brand experiences for the first time.

“The Gift Shop is not just about picking up a shirt or art print — it’s about supporting Black businesses, it’s about economic empowerment, and amplifying Black creative voices who are carrying the culture forward,” said Tamon George, co-Founder of Creative Theory Agency.