The biggest story this week was the fire at 103 S. Saint Asaph Street.
The fire destroyed three businesses including Friends to Lovers Bookstore, a highly anticipated bookstore that had opened just four days earlier.
Also closed by the fire was Madam Coco — Emporium and Everything Chocolate and the Little Birdies kids boutique.
A GoFundMe to rebuild Friends to Lovers has raised $37,655 of its $45,000 goal.
According to owner Jamie Fortin:
This morning, I was able to tour the store and assess the damage more closely. Sadly, it looks like none of our books or merchandise will be safe to sell, and therefore we have raised our fundraising goal to $45,000.
As most of you know, we are committed to working with small, women-owned businesses and uplifting local/indie authors. We also staff 5 booksellers who I am determined to keep employed, and a talented social media manager who I credit with F2L’s incredible online presence. Funds raised during this process will be integral to ensuring F2L can maintain the people and culture we know and love while also recovering from significant losses related to the fire.
Thank you all for your understanding and continued support during this challenging time. As we rebuild, we are determined to continue shopping small and supporting local.
The Alexandria Fire Department said the cause of the fire is still under investigation but it is currently being treated as accidental in nature.
The most-read stories this week were:
- ‘Friends to Lovers Bookstore’ and two others to close after fire in Old Town (13985 views)
- City Council approves pilot closure of 200 block of King Street in Old Town (6441 views)
- Notes: Man stabbed at McDonald’s just west of Alexandria (4479 views)
- JUST IN: Police arrest two Fairfax men for Braddock neighborhood double shooting in September (3857 views)
- Outdoor dining is coming to Alexandria’s Oakville Triangle (2994 views)
