Is one of your new T-shirts lacking something? Something personal? Maybe you just visited Boston, but couldn’t find anything “truly-you” at that kiosk on the side of the street. Seaport’s retail incubator: The Current, presents its Boston neighbors with its “XO-TO-GO” pop-up. While Valentine’s Day has already passed, “XO-TO-GO” pop-up most certainly hasn’t and is here to stay through the last Sunday of February.
Located at 85 Northern Ave., in the heart of Boston’s Seaport District, “XO-TO-GO” offers a variety of complimentary services to customize any gift for someone, or of course a personal purchase to add a customizable touch. These “customizations” range from colorful embroideries (hearts, smiley faces, pizza, letters, hearts, Seaport inspired designs, flowers, etc..) that are heat applied, bedazzling, and even customizable painting done by local artists (Goody Great and Monique Aimee). The local artists can be found on weekends at “XO-TO-GO” at approximately 1:30 p.m. from 5:30 p.m.
The pop-up is located closely to other retailers such as: Outdoor Voices, Lululemon, injeanius, Fjällraven and more that offer a wide variety of items that can be easily customized right across the street at “XO-TO-GO.” Customers can get denim, backpacks, hats, beanies, totes, and so much more embroidered, bedazzled or painted by Boston’s local artists. These personalizations go to show the creativity that many people have yet to discover within themselves. Of course, if one isn’t feeling inspired, the artists at “XO-TO-GO” are more than happy to help them find their creative light.
“XO-TO-GO” loves seeing Bostonians’ and visitors’ imaginations come to life. Although this may be hard to believe, these customizations are free of charge.
“It’s something we wanted to do for free for the people that live here, and shop here and the people that visit. The craftsmanship was inspired by newsstands, that you would grab a bouquet of flowers or a candy bar from, on the way home for someone you love. Whether the customizations are for Valentine’s Day or not, it’s a great way of celebrating how much you love someone,” said Claire Kilcullen, assistant marketing manager, Seaport at WS Development.
When first walking into the “XO-TO-GO” pop-up, the energy within the small, but comfortable space feels kind, genuine, loving and ingenious. Those who work within the pop-up are there to spread kindness and joy through this relatively tough time.
“We love seeing the look on people’s faces when they find out it’s for a free,” said Molly O’Donnell, embroidery artist.
“XO-TO-GO” isn’t concerned about making profit on any of their creations done by local artists, they mainly want Bostonians and any other visitors to have a place where they can be happy, be joyful, and of course playful with their creations that are made at “XO-TO-GO.” It’s a place of creativity and inclusivity of all ideas of artistry.
Whether it’s taking your kids to find something to do in the neighborhood, or strolling by on the way home from work, “XO-TO-GO” is hard to walk by without wondering the possibilities inside the pop-up. There’s always something to get customized for anyone’s friends, family, significant others, or of course themselves. “XO-TO-GO” adds the extra bit of love into a new purchase made by the other surrounding retailers in the Seaport.
The sole reason to bring this pop-up to Boston was to of course allow people to add personalized touches for personal purchases or gifts anyone picks up while in Boston or visiting; but to spread joy, especially during the hardship of Covid-19. While we can’t see each other’s smiles just yet, “XO-TO-GO” can see it in their customers’ eyes.
To get your next gift, or purchase customized, anyone can book a 25-minute slot for you and another person. If appointments finish early, then Molly can take walk-ups. “XO-TO-GO” will be open Thursday and Friday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Social distancing and masks are required within the pop-up. Covid-19 protocols are in place and carefully structured to keep customers and all employee’s safe. Walk-ins are welcome from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. To register for a time-slot click here.
“Stop by and get creative!” says Molly O’Donnell, embroidery artist at “XO-TO-GO.” The pop-up is waiting to see Bostonians’ artistry and inventiveness.
For more on the XO-TO-GO click here.