The Shoe Hive
115 South Royal Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703)548-7105
www.shoehive.com

About Elizabeth Todd:
Fashion has always been my favorite hobby and my worst vice. As is the case for most fashion-focused women, shoes have a special place in my heart and I dreamed for years of turning that affection into a business until the opportunity arose in Old Town Alexandria in 2003.

About The Shoe Hive:
At The Shoe Hive, our goal has always been to offer the service and selection it takes to be a "destination" boutique -- a place where serious shoppers from around the region come to satisfy their shoe desires. We have succeeded by identifying up-and-coming designers that high-end national stores won't find until next season.

Business Philosophy:
Successful boutiques know their customers' desires as well as the parameters of their taste. Every line we carry, from hip new heels to traditional pumps, is "classically elegant," in keeping with the Washington region's own sense of style. We seek to provide the very best service anywhere -- we're open seven days a week, have customer-friendly policies and a staff of shoe lovers.

Why did you choose to do this?
Before I opened The Shoe Hive, I often complained to a friend who owned a clothing store that Northern Virginia didn't have a great shoe store. One day she called me and told me she was moving so I ended up taking over her store's lease. I had a year left on my telecommuting job and was just too stubborn to realize how hard it would be to do both things at once!

Why Alexandria?
My husband and I moved to Old Town in 1999 and were committed to the shopping district here long before The Shoe Hive opened. We often start the day with a "family walk" to a coffee shop and spend at least one weekend day on our own pedestrian shopping excursion (baby and puppy in tow, of course.) We make it a point each Christmas to attempt to buy ALL of our Christmas gifts in Old Town. We're proud Old Town is emerging as the region's top "boutique district."

Funny Story:
New clients are often surprised to see my friendly Boston Terrier sitting in the middle of the store -- and even more surprised when he sits on their feet while they try on the shoes. He does at least have good taste!