40-year-old print shop quietly shutters operations

The Print Shop of Mount Vernon has closed. (Erika Christ image)

A Richmond Highway institution closed its doors earlier this year, according to local sources.

The Print Shop of Mount Vernon — a family-owned and operated business since 1978 — marketed itself as Alexandria and Fairfax County’s “go-to print shop” for all personal and business printing, copying and graphic design needs. Located in a non-descript commercial office building at 8143 Richmond Highway, the shop was sold several years ago by longtime owner George Evans to Renato Abella.

Michael Beach, owner of Bob’s Printing at 8403 Richmond Highway, said that Abella had visited his shop a few times in past months and mentioned the Print Shop’s financial struggles, as well Abella’s plans to travel to the Philippines. Sometime thereafter, the Print Shop closed its doors for good, leaving behind equipment and supplies that had to be removed by the landlord, according to a woman familiar with the situation.

While the Print Shop’s familiar street signage remains, the business’s phone number has been disconnected.