News Summary
Amanda McClements, owner of Salt & Sundry, shares her concerns about running her retail business in a politically charged atmosphere due to heightened military presence in Washington, D.C. Transitioning from journalism to retail, McClements has successfully navigated challenges, including the pandemic’s impact on her sister shop, Little Leaf. With a focus on community engagement and thoughtful design, she emphasizes her commitment to fostering positive customer experiences despite the city’s current climate.
Washington, D.C. – Amanda McClements, owner of Salt & Sundry, a home furnishings store in Washington, D.C., has expressed her apprehensions about operating her retail business amid ongoing national turmoil. The sentiment comes as the city sees increased military presence following President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard. McClements grapples with the ethical implications of selling products during a period marked by national distress, feeling conflicted about her role as a retailer at such a critical time.
McClements transitioned into retail after a 15-year career as a journalist, mainly in political publications. The inspiration behind launching Salt & Sundry in 2012 stemmed from her frustrations as a shopper discontented with current offerings. The first storefront was nestled in a collaborative food market environment, showcasing a select range of home goods inspired by vintage sourcing.
Over time, her design aesthetic has shifted towards a more polished and colorful style, with a focus on gifts and accessories. Candles have emerged as the store’s best-selling product, and McClements maintains a strong partnership with Sydney Hale Co., a key vendor. Since its inception, the original Salt & Sundry location at Union Market has expanded to a larger space in the vicinity, while a second location opened in Logan Circle in 2014 as a response to growing customer demand. This second store aligns with her vision for Salt & Sundry and is designed to cater to a wider audience.
In addition to Salt & Sundry, McClements launched a sister shop called Little Leaf, which specialized in plants. This venture emerged as a direct response to customer interest and operated successfully for approximately seven years. However, Little Leaf was forced to close during the pandemic as the challenges of managing three separate locations proved to be unsustainable, accentuated by a desire for simplification. While Salt & Sundry thrived during the pandemic with surging sales, Little Leaf’s recovery post-COVID did not materialize as expected.
Although Salt & Sundry has an online shop that targets local customers, McClements emphasizes that e-commerce is not a primary focus for the business. The staffing at Salt & Sundry mainly consists of part-time employees who are enthusiastic about the brand, with senior directors having been with McClements for 12 to 13 years. The new expanded location at Union Market allows the hosting of various events, such as poetry workshops and vendor showcases, further fostering a sense of community engagement.
Despite the heightened political climate affecting Washington, D.C., McClements points out that the creative community operates independently of federal politics. There are concerns regarding how negative portrayals of the city could impact tourism, especially when D.C. is known for its welcoming atmosphere and safety. Salt & Sundry’s mission remains focused on creating thoughtful spaces that promote well-being and nurture customer experiences.
Looking ahead, McClements is eager to explore product design while ensuring the sustainability and longevity of her business. She values her interactions with her team and customers, especially during meetings, which are among her favorite experiences in her retail journey. With a unique understanding of the challenges and joys of running a retail establishment in an evolving political landscape, McClements aims to maintain her store’s relevance and contribute positively to the D.C. community.
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Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
