SHELTER to Open in the Union Market District September 14

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The latest Union Market brand to scale and launch a brick-and-mortar location is SHELTER (1258 5th Street NE), the new concept from local jewelry designer Mallory Shelter.

Set to open Friday, September 14, SHELTER will feature a wide array of signature designs from the jeweler and founder, including her delicate, one-of-a-kind custom engagement rings and wedding jewelry, which will be handcrafted from her studio located in the rear of the shop, allowing guests to watch her create in action.

The new 1,087-square foot space within the Union Market District is a revamp of a historic 5th Street building. With muted colors and brass accents, the space pays homage to its original storefront, incorporating the building's restored vintage windows and salvaged steel doors. Mixing the old with the new, SHELTER's jewelry cases and cash wrap are all custom-made and hand carved by Foxwood Co., a North Carolina furniture company.

From the perfect pair of giftable earrings to splurge-worthy statement necklaces, SHELTER will also showcase high-quality jewelry from respected designers from around the country, with an emphasis on female-owned and run brands. Featured brands include Melissa Joy Manning, Bario Neal, Ariel Gordon, Page Sargisson, Sarah Swell and vintage pieces sourced by Shelter herself. In addition, a rotating gallery of work by local and national artists will be featured for sale, alongside a curated selection of scarves, perfume, handbags and more.

Shelter initially began designing and selling her jewelry at Union Market retailer Salt & Sundry while simultaneously working on the shop floor there. Shelter then went on to host multiple pop-ups at the market prior to co-founding retail pop-up Brief Assembly, featuring local and national fashion, jewelry and home brands in the Union Market District at 4th x Neal.

But, when it came time to open her own store, the impetus was simple: the desire to build what she couldn't find anywhere else.

"I noticed there was a gap in the D.C. market for a store that provided high-quality, alternative pieces of jewelry; something that you would have for a lifetime, but didn't feel cookie cutter or unapproachable," she says. "I had so many incredible designers on my radar that had no representation in D.C. and I wanted to bring them into the area and provide a space where they could be showcased."

"The Union Market District is a place where brands redefine retail business models and that's exactly what Mallory has done with Shelter," says Union Market's Director of Strategy Jennifer Maguire Isham. "By combining her jewelry studio and shop of curated brands, she is able to give her customers an experience. It's the recipe for successful retail."

SHELTER will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 11am to 7pm and on Sunday from 11am to 6pm. On Tuesday, SHELTER will be open by appointment only.

About Mallory Shelter Jewelry: Mallory Shelter Jewelry's handmade, easy-to-wear pieces --  stacking rings and bracelets, layering necklaces, bold earrings and more -- are versatile and timeless, designed to stand alone or be worn delicately layered with a mix of jewelry. Since launching in 2014, Mallory Shelter Jewelry has gained a strong fashion following and has been featured in Martha Stewart Living, Southern Living, Refinery29 and The Washington Post, among other lifestyle outlets. In 2016, the brand expanded its offerings to include custom engagement rings, wedding bands and heirloom redesigns. Shelter works with suppliers around the world to source high-quality materials and gemstones to create one-of-a-kind pieces. The designer continues to apprentice with a goldsmith in Washington D.C. and is currently pursuing a gemology degree from the Gemological Institute of America. In 2018, Shelter opened her first brick-and-mortar store, SHELTER, near Washington, D.C.'s Union Market. The new concept sells MSJ designs, as well as jewelry, accessories and more from designers nationwide, with an emphasis on female-owned and run brands.

About the Union Market District: The Union Market District  is a place where businesses of all size launch, scale and innovate; a place for creative minds and businesses to connect, thrive and make D.C. their own. Located a short walk from the NoMa/Gallaudet metro, is a 45-acre historic urban development where, at its core, sits the acclaimed food market, Union Market. Since opening in September 2012, Union Market now averages 15,000 visitors per weekend and has hosted more than 400 retail pop-ups and events. For more information about the Union Market District, please visit www.unionmarketdc.com or follow @UnionMarketDC on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Union Market District