Mayor Muriel Bowser marked the opening of a new retail outpost, Eastern Market store, at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The store is designed to echo the vibrancy of the beloved DC marketplace, offering travelers a taste of the city's entrepreneurial spirit with goods from local vendors and artisans, said a recent announcement.
At 3,544 square feet, Eastern Market's airport location showcases products from more than a dozen DC-based businesses known for their presence at the historic Capitol Hill market. "The local businesses who sell at Eastern Market are part of the fabric of DC, and we're proud to bring their creative spirit directly to travelers coming to and through DC," Mayor Bowser stated. The initiative is not only a tribute to local commerce but also a strategic move to enhance small business visibility on a global stage, as per the Mayor's office.
Falling under the umbrella of strategic business growth initiatives, the opening aligns with Mayor Bowser's FY26 Budget, termed ‘Grow DC’. This budget is aimed at supporting the local businesses by reducing industry entry barriers and retaining successful enterprises, a move that is part of her broader economic advancement plans.
The collaborative efforts of the DC Department of General Services (DGS), the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), Fraport USA, and WHSmith/Marshall Retail Group were instrumental in making this concept a reality. In June 2024, an agreement was signed that brought the partnership into full swing. "We are proud to bring the essence of Eastern Market into this new space and share it with millions of travelers each year," DGS Director Delano Hunter conveyed. The public-private venture demonstrates a commitment to not only supporting small businesses but also to celebrating DC's distinct character and offerings, according to the same announcement.
Huw Crwys-Williams, CEO of WHSmith North America, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to operate at the transport hub, describing it as the crown jewel of their broad portfolio of travel essentials, specialty retail, and coffee concessions at DCA. He thanked all business partners at Fraport Washington and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for their ongoing support, as mentioned by the Mayor's office.
