New Airport Store Showcases D.C.’s Local Vendors and Economic Vision
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Travelers passing through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) now have a new way to experience one of D.C.’s most beloved cultural landmarks. On Monday, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser celebrated the grand opening of the new Eastern Market retail store, a 3,544-square-foot space designed to bring the heart of Capitol Hill’s historic Eastern Market to the airport terminal.
The store offers a wide array of locally made goods, souvenirs, and travel essentials from more than a dozen local vendors—many of whom are longtime participants at the original Eastern Market. The new store is a vibrant extension of the District’s commitment to promoting small businesses and supporting homegrown talent.
“A Piece of D.C. for Travelers”
Speaking at the ribbon-cutting event, Mayor Bowser emphasized the store’s role in both economic development and city pride.
“The local businesses who sell at Eastern Market are part of the fabric of D.C., and we’re proud to bring their creative spirit directly to travelers coming to and through DC,” said Bowser. “This store is about creating opportunity for our small businesses, uplifting local vendors, and giving everyone who loves our city another chance to take a piece of it back home.”
The store will allow thousands of daily travelers to discover and purchase authentic D.C. goods—from handmade crafts and artisan snacks to unique souvenirs that showcase the city’s identity.
Public-Private Partnership
The new retail venture is the result of a public-private partnership between the District of Columbia and The Marshall Retail Group, LLC, a well-known airport and resort retail company. In June 2024, the District finalized a license agreement allowing the group to open and operate the Eastern Market-branded store within the airport.
This collaboration aligns with Mayor Bowser’s ongoing strategy to stimulate economic growth by supporting local entrepreneurs, reducing regulatory hurdles, and encouraging partnerships that spotlight D.C.’s unique character.
Supporting Small Businesses Through Innovation
The Eastern Market store is more than just a retail outlet—it’s part of a larger initiative from Mayor Bowser’s administration to expand small business access to high-visibility platforms. By giving vendors a presence in a high-traffic hub like Reagan National Airport, the city is working to help small businesses reach new audiences and generate more revenue.
The mayor’s office noted that this initiative fits into broader efforts to cut red tape, lower taxes, and provide tools for small business success. It’s a tangible representation of Bowser’s commitment to making D.C. more business-friendly—especially for minority-owned, women-owned, and locally based businesses.
A Cultural Touchpoint in Transit
The new store is expected to appeal to both locals and visitors, offering travelers a way to connect with D.C.’s creative culture and support local artisans without ever leaving the airport. Shoppers can browse an assortment of handcrafted gifts, specialty foods, books, and more—all reflecting the city’s eclectic and diverse character.
Eastern Market, located in Capitol Hill, has long been a hub for artisans, farmers, and small businesses. The airport store captures that energy in a modern, convenient format—bringing a beloved neighborhood staple into a new space.
Looking Ahead
With the successful launch of the Eastern Market store at DCA, Mayor Bowser signaled a continued focus on leveraging public spaces for economic development and showcasing local talent.
“This is what investing in our community looks like,” she said. “When we make it easier for local businesses to grow, we make our entire city stronger.”
As travelers pass through DCA, the Eastern Market store will now stand as a symbol of D.C.’s entrepreneurial spirit—inviting the world to experience the District’s creative heartbeat, one locally made product at a time.
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