More Than Just Candles: Salt & Sundry’s Enduring D.C. Journey

In the vibrant heart of Washington, D.C., Salt & Sundry has carved out a special niche, evolving from a journalist’s passion project into a beloved home goods destination. Founder Amanda McClements shares the journey of building a community-focused retail business through shifting political tides and economic changes, all while offering beautifully curated items that help D.C. locals create thoughtful, comforting spaces.

From Journalism to Curated Home Goods

Amanda McClements’ path to retail wasn’t linear. After 15 years in D.C. journalism, covering local food and entertainment sparked a realization: the city lacked places for discerning shoppers to find unique home textiles and cocktail glasses. This gap, coupled with the flexible environment of a new food market in the Union Market district, prompted her to open Salt & Sundry in 2012. It was a bold step into independent retail in a city often underserved by such ventures, leveraging a collaborative spirit among local purveyors.

An Evolving Aesthetic and Thoughtful Sourcing

Initially reflecting McClements’ “Southern bohemian” roots with a focus on vintage sourcing, Salt & Sundry’s style has matured into a more polished, colorful aesthetic. Today, the store thrives on a gift and accessory-focused inventory, catering to customers seeking unique throw pillows or candles rather than large furniture pieces. McClements highlights her love for sourcing, which involves trade shows, Instagram inspiration, and even “turning plates over at a restaurant” during her travels. Platforms like Faire have also streamlined the buying process.

Among her favorite vendors are Settle Ceramics from Austin, Texas, praised for their stunning pottery. However, the consistent top seller remains candles, particularly those from Sydney Hale Co, a local Virginia candlemaker. Their beautiful products, wonderful scents, and philanthropic initiatives supporting animal welfare have made their bergamot and black tea candle a perpetual customer favorite for over a decade.

Building Community Across Two D.C. Locations

Salt & Sundry operates two distinct yet equally cherished locations in D.C. The original store, now in a larger space within the Union Market district, benefits from diverse foot traffic, including neighborhood regulars and tourists. The second location, established in 2014 in Logan Circle, was a natural expansion, strategically placed in a bustling retail and dining corridor near McClements’ home.

A Brief Venture with Little Leaf

The success of Salt & Sundry even sparked a spin-off. Observing customers’ demand for plants, McClements launched Little Leaf, a sister plant shop. It was a thriving business for seven years, particularly during the pandemic when people focused on nesting. However, post-pandemic, while Salt & Sundry’s sales rebounded, Little Leaf’s did not, leading to the tough decision to close and focus bandwidth on the core business.

E-commerce as an Accessory, Not the Core

While Salt & Sundry maintains a robust e-commerce presence, it’s deliberately not the primary focus. McClements emphasizes her love for the brick-and-mortar experience—the smells, textures, and personal interactions. For her, shops are not just places to sell goods; they are gathering places that foster connection and community. Interestingly, a significant portion of their online customers are still local, preferring the convenience of digital shopping even when living just miles away.

Navigating D.C.’s Unique Pulse

Operating a business in the nation’s capital comes with its own set of experiences. McClements reflects on the surreal feeling of doing business amidst political events and the deployment of the National Guard. She emphasizes that D.C.’s vibrant creative community largely operates independently of federal politics. However, the portrayal of the city as a “war zone” can unfairly impact tourism. In these high-tension times, Salt & Sundry’s mission to empower people to create thoughtful, comforting spaces becomes even more vital, providing a safe and inspiring haven for its community.

Team Culture and Future Aspirations

Salt & Sundry prides itself on being a woman-run, women-centered business with a strong, loyal team. Senior directors have been with McClements for over a decade, a testament to her commitment to fair pay, support, and creating opportunities for growth. The new, larger Union Market space has also enabled the store to host more events, from candle launch parties with vendors like The New Savant to poetry workshops, further cementing its role as a gathering place.

Looking ahead, McClements’ primary goal is sustainability for the business and aligning with mission-driven vendors. While she doesn’t envision a grand exit strategy, she harbors a personal desire to finally carve out time for product design, adding her own creative flair to the curated collections.

Salt & Sundry Locations at a Glance

Here’s a quick look at how the two D.C. locations offer unique experiences:

FAQs About Salt & Sundry

• What kind of products does Salt & Sundry offer?
  Salt & Sundry specializes in home goods, focusing on gifts and accessories like candles, ceramics, textiles, and cocktail glasses, designed to create thoughtful, comforting spaces.
• Where are Salt & Sundry’s physical stores located in D.C.?
  They have two locations: one in the vibrant Union Market District and another in the bustling Logan Circle neighborhood.
• Does Salt & Sundry primarily cater to tourists or locals?
  Both! The Union Market location sees many tourists and neighborhood foot traffic, while Logan Circle attracts more local residents who frequent the retail corridor.
• What is a best-selling item at Salt & Sundry?
  Candles, particularly those from local Virginia candlemaker Sydney Hale Co, have been a consistent top seller since the store opened.
• How does Salt & Sundry engage with the D.C. community?
  Beyond retail, they host vendor-focused events and creative workshops, utilizing their larger Union Market space to foster community gathering and connection.

Salt & Sundry stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful retail, demonstrating that a local business can thrive by providing beauty, comfort, and community, even amidst the unique challenges and opportunities of Washington, D.C.

Salt & Sundry DC From Journalist To Home Goods