In honor of the Croatian National Football Team making Alexandria its home base, boutiques in Old Town will be decked out in the Croatian checkered flag and offer specials inspired by the country.
Old Town Boutiques, a coalition of independently-owned boutiques in Old Town, will host Shop the Checkers Boutique Week from Sunday, June 14 through Sunday, June 28. Participating retailers will display special Croatian red-and-white checkerboard crest flags at their storefronts and offer experiences drawn from Croatian culture.
Specials will range from window displays and Croatia-inspired décor to sip and shop promotions, match-day discounts, soccer-themed activities and Adriatic-inspired food experiences. Shoppers can receive a special “Goal Getter” tote bag with a purchase while supplies last.
“Together, the activities will transform portions of Old Town into a festive and welcoming destination as the city hosts the Croatian National Soccer Team during its World Cup training stay,” Old Town Boutiques said in a release.
The Croatian National Team’s upcoming Community Training Session, scheduled in conjunction with the Team, the City of Alexandria, and FIFA, is by invitation only given necessary security parameters. This is not a public event; admittance is strictly limited to invited guests.
Alexandria was the only Virginia locality chosen to be a home base for a 2026 World Cup team. World Cup games will take place from June 11 to July 19 across Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The Croatian team is staying at Hotel AKA Alexandria and will train at Episcopal High School, but training sessions are not open to the public. Episcopal High School will host a session with the team Wednesday (June 10) by invitation only. Alexandria police said drivers should expect heavier traffic in the 3900 block of W. Braddock Road from 3:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday due to the event.
The city kicked off the team’s visit with the Flavors & Sounds of Croatia in partnership with the Croatian Embassy at Waterfront Park Saturday (June 6). World Cup watch parties and other events have been scheduled in the coming days.
Shop the Checkers Boutique Week activities include:
529 Kids Consign 🇭🇷
122A South Royal Street
SALE on all red white and blue merch! Free tote with purchase.Bellacara 🇭🇷
1000 King Street
Free tote with purchase.Boxwood 🇭🇷
1205 King Street
Boxwood is rolling out the red-and-white checkerboard welcome! Visit Boxwood June 20–21 and June 27–28 for a festive celebration featuring Croatian-inspired florals, custom charm creations, stationery, tea towels, postcards, and other special finds created in honor of the Croatian National Soccer Team and their supporters. Free tote with purchase.Eliana Curated 🇭🇷
1003 King Street
Fans wearing Croatia’s signature red, white, or blue will receive 10% OFF their purchase during the celebration (June 14-28). Free tote with purchase.Encore 🇭🇷
122A South Royal Street
Encore will be offering 10-20% OFF red/white items. Free tote with purchase.Eries 🇭🇷
101 South Saint Asaph Street
Stop by Eries for special promotions and sip and shop event (date TBD). Free tote with purchase.Mint Condition 🇭🇷
122A South Royal Street
SALE on all red white and blue merch! Free tote with purchase.’Monday’s Child 🇭🇷
127 S Fairfax Street
Soccer themed face-painting on Saturday 6/20 from 10am-12, 40% off one item when you wear a soccer jersey from 6/14-6/28. Free tote with purchase over $75.Nothing in Between Studio 🇭🇷
1306 King Street
Free tote with Purchase.Patina Polished Living 🇭🇷
111 S Columbus Street
Discounts on Croatian game days and free tote with qualifying purchase.Sara Campbell 🇭🇷
310 Prince Street
Free tote with purchase.The Hive & The Shoe Hive 🇭🇷
315 Cameron Street
Free tote with purchase.The Spice & Tea Exchange of Alexandria 🇭🇷
320 King Street
“Taste the Adriatic” -Croatian-inspired coastal flavor notes such as rosemary, garlic, paprika, citrus, herbs, olive oil, summer vegetables, grilled meats, seafood, and refreshing tea. Shop the checkered pantry, plus Free tote with purchase.Wine Gallery 108 🇭🇷
108 N St Asaph Street
Get ready to cheer on Croatia with special Croatian wine tastings before each team game on June 16, June 23, and June 26. Each tasting will feature a different selection of Croatian wines, giving you the perfect opportunity to discover new favorites before game day and watch parties. Receive a free tote with purchase, grab a bottle, and celebrate the Croatian team in style.
Image via Niels Bosman/Unsplash
