Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands – December 5, 2025 – The Virgin Islands Council on the Arts (VICA) and the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority’s Enterprise Zone Commission (EZC) announce the reopening of the “Made in the USVI” Pop-Up Shop this holiday season. This popular holiday store that showcases USVI-themed merchandise created by local artists and artisans will open from Wednesday, December 10, 2025 through Monday, December 22, 2025 at the Enid M. Baa Library and Archives building next to the stoplight on Main Street in downtown Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Made in the USVI Pop-Up Shop will be open from 10AM to 6PM, Monday through Friday, 10AM to 4PM on Saturdays, and closed on Sundays. During “Miracle on Main Street”, the shop’s hours will be extended for USVI residents and visitors to have another opportunity to purchase a wide variety of unique gifts made in the U.S. Virgin Islands, including food items, bags, clothing, artwork, spa merchandise, and much more.  

“We are most definitely enthusiastic about hosting another Made in the USVI Pop-Up Shop on St. Thomas this holiday season,” said Nadine Marchena Kean, managing director, Enterprise Zone Commission. “This is always an opportunity for us to let the world know the U.S. Virgin Islands community has talented artists and artisans, pride in its culture, and tremendous aspirations for entrepreneurship. Our partnership with the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts continues to highlight made-in-the-USVI merchandise for the world right from our Territory’s shores. We thank our USVI residents and visitors for continuing to support these businesses,” added Mrs. Marchena Kean.

Pop-Up Stores are short-term stores temporarily established in an available space to allow customers to experience products of a business first-hand.  These stores are excellent opportunities to support local businesses and find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts while celebrating the rich culture and craftsmanship of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

According Capital One Shopping Research, temporary retail spaces or pop-up shops generate an estimated $80 billion in annual revenue; projections indicate that market value will exceed $95 billion in 2025.  An average pop-up shop is active for 3-14 days. According to Shopify.com, this sales strategy is used to build brand awareness, test new markets, and help increase sales for various small businesses. It also provides customers with exclusive experiences, helps to build a customer base for merchandise, and gives landlords opportunities to fill vacant spaces in their properties.

In 2018, the EZC and VICA jointly initiated their first “Made in the USVI” Pop Up Shop on Main Street and collaborated to assist local, licensed small manufacturers and artisans with increasing their opportunities for business growth in the USVI and outside of the Territory. 

For more information about the “Made in the USVI” Pop Up Shop, contact VICA at 340-774-5984, send an email to vicastt@yahoo.com, or visit the VICA office in the white building across from the Frederick Evangelical Lutheran Church and Fort Christian in downtown Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas, USVI.