Gilt and Ash ready to test West End retail market

Owners Sasha Hogan (left) and Holly Walsh. (Michael Thompson)

Owners Sasha Hogan (left) and Holly Walsh. (Michael Thompson)

Two friends-turned-business-partners hope their new shop can corner part of the Libbie-Patterson retail scene.

Sasha Hogan and Holly Walsh plan to open Gilt and Ash this month at 5730 Patterson Ave. The pair has leased the 1,000-square-foot storefront at the corner of Libbie and Patterson avenues previously occupied for more than 20 years by Toombs Ltd.

Gilt and Ash is set to open this month at 5730 Patterson Ave. (Michael Thompson)

Gilt and Ash is set to open this month at 5730 Patterson Ave. (Michael Thompson)

Gilt and Ash will sell women’s jewelry, accessories and gifts. Prices will range from $10 for a bar soap or a key chain to $2,000 for a large piece of art. Hogan and Walsh hope they can attract customers to their store with goods that are hard to find around town and the web.

“We’ve done the homework for you,” Walsh said, adding she and Hogan have researched artisans from all over the country.

Walsh has a background in the corporate retail world with stints at Banana Republic, Ann Taylor and Pottery Barn. She’s hoping her skills in layout and displays will give Gilt and Ash and edge. Hogan has a background in real estate with the Trammell Crow Company, was a REIT analyst with the former Richmond firm Wheat First, and most recently has been a homemaker. Hogan handles the back-of-the-house for Gilt and Ash and hopes her knowledge of the neighborhood will be a boon for the business.

Gilt and Ash’s opening will be a result of a more-than-five-year conversation between Walsh and Hogan about going into business together. They both live in the vicinity of Gilt and Ash’s storefront and met through mutual friends.

The retailer will sell women's . (Michael Thompson)

The retailer will sell women’s jewelry, accessories and gifts. (Michael Thompson)

“We’re very comfortable with the buyers that live in a three-mile radius,” Hogan said.

“I think this part of Patterson Avenue is up-and-coming,” Walsh said.

They would not say how much they’ve spent to open Gilt and Ash. For now, Hogan and Walsh will work the storefront themselves and may eventually hire some part-time help.

The busy intersection at Libbie and Patterson avenues is home to a number of retailers. Clara b., a seller of clothes for middle school girls, plans to open Aug. 23 at 5716 Patterson Ave. near 1Z 2Z 3Z, an apparel and toy store for babies and toddlers at 5720 Patterson Ave.

Toombs Ltd., a lighting antiques and restoration business, moved in December to a bigger space at 809 Libbie Ave.

Owners Sasha Hogan (left) and Holly Walsh. (Michael Thompson)

Owners Sasha Hogan (left) and Holly Walsh. (Michael Thompson)

Two friends-turned-business-partners hope their new shop can corner part of the Libbie-Patterson retail scene.

Sasha Hogan and Holly Walsh plan to open Gilt and Ash this month at 5730 Patterson Ave. The pair has leased the 1,000-square-foot storefront at the corner of Libbie and Patterson avenues previously occupied for more than 20 years by Toombs Ltd.

Gilt and Ash is set to open this month at 5730 Patterson Ave. (Michael Thompson)

Gilt and Ash is set to open this month at 5730 Patterson Ave. (Michael Thompson)

Gilt and Ash will sell women’s jewelry, accessories and gifts. Prices will range from $10 for a bar soap or a key chain to $2,000 for a large piece of art. Hogan and Walsh hope they can attract customers to their store with goods that are hard to find around town and the web.

“We’ve done the homework for you,” Walsh said, adding she and Hogan have researched artisans from all over the country.

Walsh has a background in the corporate retail world with stints at Banana Republic, Ann Taylor and Pottery Barn. She’s hoping her skills in layout and displays will give Gilt and Ash and edge. Hogan has a background in real estate with the Trammell Crow Company, was a REIT analyst with the former Richmond firm Wheat First, and most recently has been a homemaker. Hogan handles the back-of-the-house for Gilt and Ash and hopes her knowledge of the neighborhood will be a boon for the business.

Gilt and Ash’s opening will be a result of a more-than-five-year conversation between Walsh and Hogan about going into business together. They both live in the vicinity of Gilt and Ash’s storefront and met through mutual friends.

The retailer will sell women's . (Michael Thompson)

The retailer will sell women’s jewelry, accessories and gifts. (Michael Thompson)

“We’re very comfortable with the buyers that live in a three-mile radius,” Hogan said.

“I think this part of Patterson Avenue is up-and-coming,” Walsh said.

They would not say how much they’ve spent to open Gilt and Ash. For now, Hogan and Walsh will work the storefront themselves and may eventually hire some part-time help.

The busy intersection at Libbie and Patterson avenues is home to a number of retailers. Clara b., a seller of clothes for middle school girls, plans to open Aug. 23 at 5716 Patterson Ave. near 1Z 2Z 3Z, an apparel and toy store for babies and toddlers at 5720 Patterson Ave.

Toombs Ltd., a lighting antiques and restoration business, moved in December to a bigger space at 809 Libbie Ave.

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Kristy Cosley
Kristy Cosley
7 years ago

Glad it worked out ladies. The store looks fabulous! Wishing you all the best for the opening and beyond!

Margaret Thompson
Margaret Thompson
7 years ago

This is very exciting! Happy to see this area get a breath of fresh air (or three!)!

Heidi Holscher Pryal
Heidi Holscher Pryal
7 years ago

Best of luck on your new venture, Sasha and Holly! We wish you the best! Hugs, Heidi and Mark