New York Times says Richmond clothing store is one of America’s best

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A Richmond business was chosen by the New York Times as one of the best clothing stores in America.

On Sunday, Nov. 30, the New York Times released its "The 50 Best Clothing Stores in America" list -- and one of Richmond's own is on it.

The New York Times considered the inventory, curation, proprietorship, customer service, ambience, location and payoff of American clothing stores to determine which should be included on this list. The process reportedly took months to complete.

The 50 stores that made the cut are described as "distinctive and inspirational," with many being independent small businesses. Per Steven Kurutz of the New York Times, chosen stores are those that are surprising and satisfying, focused on the customer experience and deserving of the exposure.

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"Above all else, [these stores] keep alive the thrill of in-person shopping in this age of e-commerce," Kurutz wrote.

Virginia's sole entry on the list is Richmond's Verdalina, a homegrown designer clothing store.

Founded by Deborah Boschen in 2013, Verdalina describes itself as Richmond's "exclusive source for slow-philosophy pieces with lasting style and quality using fair trade, organic and environmentally responsible materials."

It's those traits, as well as Boschen's emphasis on supporting lesser-known designers, that reportedly caught the New York Times' attention.

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"Sustainable, slow fashion is a specialty of Verdalina, a well-edited women’s wear boutique in Richmond’s Arts District," Kurutz wrote. "Along with brands like Rachel Comey and Clare V., the store’s owner, Deborah Boschen, stocks pieces from small labels that are a minor revelation to discover, like groovy Labo.Art smocks, cotton Elsa Esturgie dresses, Hannoh Wessel denim blazers and French-inspired basics from Gallego Desportes. Shopping in person feels special because the store itself typically carries only a few of each piece (a wider selection is offered online)."

You can visit Verdalina's brick-and-mortar store at 325 West Broad Street. Alternatively, you can browse its collection online.