
There's a common misconception that elderly men are the only ones with low testosterone or imbalanced hormones. According to the Cleveland Clinic, however, data shows that many men including men in their 40s and 50s suffer from low testosterone and sub-optimal testosterone around the world.. The truth is you don't have to be on your "last legs" to suffer from low testosterone.
In reality, as men get closer to 30, it's common for their testosterone levels to drop. When that happens, their lives and bodies change. Life may not seem as colorful or as exciting. Getting out of bed without aches and pains is rare. Finding the motivation to get up, go to work, and come home with a pep in your step is easier said than done. And for many men, the ultimate embarrassment occurs - they lose the ability to perform intimately in the bedroom.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy Near Falls Church, VA
If you're one of the millions of men with unexplained fatigue, weight gain especially abdominal fat, inability to put on muscle in the gym, decreased mental sharpness, increased anxiety or even erectile dysfunction, you may think that all hope is lost. But nothing could be further from the truth. Thanks to decades of trials and research, male health centers like Proactive Wellness are equipped with cutting-edge, FDA-approved medications and procedures to restore your hormones to optimal levels. It's called testosterone replacement therapy, or TRT for short, and it's giving men around the country renewed hope for a normal, meaningful life.
But to understand the incredible benefits of TRT in Falls Church, VA, it's important to know about testosterone and how it works in your body.
About Understanding Testosterone
What comes to mind when you think about the word "testosterone"? For many people, testosterone is associated with men who are overtly aggressive or macho. And while testosterone has an effect on a male's vigor and motivation, it plays a much more important role than the average person thinks. The truth about testosterone is that it is a crucial hormone for male development that affects men from the time they go through puberty to the time they pass away.
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As their primary androgen, testosterone helps men develop common male characteristics and is essential in the production of sperm. Controlled by your body's pituitary gland and hypothalamus, testosterone helps develop and maintain:

Muscle Mass

Facial and Body Hair

Sex Organs

Healthy Libido

Bone Density

Sexual Function

Healthy Red Blood Cell Levels
When low testosterone or hypogonadism occurs, however, males begin to notice concerning symptoms that often affect their everyday lives and romantic relationships.
Causes What Causes Low Testosterone?
Also called low T, lower testosterone levels are most often caused by aging. When testosterone levels deplete in this manner, it occurs naturally - just about every man will experience lower levels of testosterone as they get older. However, other causes of low T also exist, including drug abuse, obesity, prescribed meds, testicle injuries and even taking certain bodybuilding supplements.
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When men lose significant amounts of testosterone, it alters their body's levels of testosterone and estrogen. Lower T levels usually result in abdominal fat, which in turn causes estrogen synthetize levels to increase, creating even higher levels of estrogen in the body. With more estrogen and less testosterone, a number of concerning issues begin to surface. Some of the symptoms of low testosterone include:
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Lowered Libido
- Lowered Sperm Count
- More Body Fat
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Issues with Concentration
- Male Breast Development
- Less Muscle Mass
- Motivation Issues
If you're a man struggling with one or more of the symptoms above, it could be because you have low testosterone. But the only way you can find out for sure is to have your testosterone levels tested by a wellness center like Proactive Wellness. If your testosterone levels are low, TRT in Falls Church, VA, may be the answer to your low-T problems.
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Understanding The Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Are you starting to notice that you don't feel like "you" when you're at home or at work? Do you feel tired and lethargic all the time, even in your free time away from the office? Many men mistake these symptoms for being too sleepy or too busy. But the truth is, they're suffering from low testosterone. Since no two males will have the same symptoms of low T, it's prudent to recognize and understand some of the most common signs:

Erectile Dysfunction
If there were two words that all men wish to avoid, it's these two. Being unable to perform in the most intimate moments isn't just embarrassing - it can affect long-term relationships and mental health. It's a difficult topic to talk about. But it doesn't have to be. Our experts are ready to help you re-light that special spark.

Low Libido
When you have low testosterone, sometimes the thought of having sex just isn't appealing. If you're one of the many men in the U.S. who lacks sex drive, it might not be you. I could be low testosterone. Don't settle for a mediocre sex drive - reclaim your vigor at Proactive Wellness Centers.

Lack of Sleep
Do you work hard every day and come home exhausted, only to find that you toss and turn all night long? Whether you have undiagnosed insomnia or another sleep disorder, it could be linked to low T.



Less Strength and Muscle Mass
When testosterone levels deplete as we age, men lose their ability to lift heavy items, even with weightlifting routines in the gym. If you're making a concerted effort to maintain your muscle mass and strength but aren't making gains, it could be due to low T.

Depression
Your brain is home to many testosterone receptors, but when your body has low T, it can affect your mood. With time, poor spirits can lead to serious psychological issues, like depression. However, studies show that TRT in Falls Church, VA, can rebalance your hormones, which can help relieve depression and improve your mood.

Lack of Concentration
Do you find it hard to complete normal tasks when you're at work? Does it seem like your memory is fading? Does your spouse or significant other complain that you're not paying attention to them? The effects of low testosterone don't just affect your body - they can affect your mind and memory, too. When your testosterone levels are within normal range, brain fog and other concentration issues have been shown to go away.

What are the Risks of Living with Low Testosterone?
At Proactive Wellness Centers, we understand what men must go through daily when they have low testosterone. They suffer from fatigue and lack motivation and often don't feel like their usual selves. But as bad as those symptoms sound, living with low T can have more severe health risks that that put vital organs at risk. Some of the most concerning health risks you should be aware of include the following:
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Some of the most concerning health risks you should be aware of include the following:


Heart Health
If you've been told by a doctor that you have high blood pressure, you're probably wondering what it stems from. Is it aging? Is it hereditary? Is it something else? According to academic research, men with low T have a higher chance of developing cardiovascular illnesses. When testosterone levels are low, red blood cell reproduction suffers. When that happens, plaque buildup in your arteries may be accelerated. With time, plaque building can lead to very serious problems like strokes and heart attacks.

Anemia
When you have anemia, your body has a lack of or dysfunctional red blood cells, meaning your organs have less oxygen with which to function. Because testosterone has a role in healthy red blood cell production, it makes sense that men with low t have a higher risk of anemia. In fact, a 2009 study found that older men with low T are 5x more likely to be anemic than men with healthy levels of testosterone. While TRT in Falls Church, VA, isn't a cure for anemia, it will help produce more red blood cells in your body, which can prevent anemia.

Diabetes
If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes, and you're trying to figure out why, it may be linked to your T levels. That's because men with low testosterone have a greater chance of developing diabetes as they age. Similarly, men with diabetes are much more likely to have low testosterone, establishing a relationship between diabetes and testosterone. This relationship is further solidified by the fact that men with low T have a more challenging time resisting insulin. Though TRT won't cure diabetes, studies show that men with healthy testosterone levels also have healthier blood sugar levels and are often less obese.

Obesity
If you look in the mirror in the morning and can't stand how much body fat you've gained since getting older, you're not alone. Many aging men have problems with their waistlines. If you eat well and exercise regularly but still can't get rid of that unsightly stomach or body fat, the culprit may be low testosterone. Multiple studies have shown the link between obesity and low T. In fact, testosterone plays an important role in food metabolism by regulating insulin, glucose, and fat. Fortunately, when combined with diet and exercise, men who undergo TRT can often lose weight and enjoy improved blood glucose and low-density cholesterol levels.
Enjoy Life to the Fullest with TRT in Falls Church, VA

Testosterone replacement therapy does precisely what it sounds like: It is a science-backed therapy that replaces low testosterone levels in men. The ultimate goal of TRT is to improve your life and well-being by balancing your hormones. Also referred to as androgen replacement therapy, TRT helps many men deal with and overcome the debilitating side effects of low T.
Originally developed by scientists in the 1930s, TRT has grown substantially in popularity over the years. Today, it is one of the most common and promising treatments for males with low testosterone.
How Does TRT Work?
Without getting too scientific, TRT works by providing your body with the testosterone it needs to function properly. Without healthy levels of testosterone, the male body can't maintain the natural processes it needs for overall health. In fact, men with low testosterone levels are more prone to serious health problems like type-2 diabetes and even heart disease. Until their T levels are restored to normal, most men suffer until they find a solution.
That's where TRT comes into play. With balanced hormones, your body can finally begin to heal, causing most symptoms of low t to diminish greatly.
The Proactive Wellness Approach to TRT in Falls Church, VA
At Proactive Wellness Centers, our team utilizes a three-pronged approach to healing and treatment:
Patient Education. We equip you with the knowledge needed to take charge of your health and achieve optimal well-being in your life.
Prevention. We focus on preventing diseases by providing you with a thorough evaluation, which includes comprehensive diagnostics and the information you provide on your health history form.
Rejuvenation. Lastly, we work closely with you to implement a rejuvenation program consisting of several science-based treatments that aim to promote tissue regeneration, reduce cellular degeneration, foster healing, and slow your aging process.
Because no two patients ever have the exact same needs and treatment, your journey to journey to optimal health will be unique and tailored to your body.
However, to give you a brief snapshot of the average patient's TRT timeline may look like this:
Getting Started:
You contact our TRT clinic in Virginia. Based on your schedule, we'll arrange for a time for you to come in for your initial assessment.
Diagnostics and Evaluation:
One of our diagnostic experts will complete comprehensive testing to discover your testosterone and related hormone levels and your best treatment options.
Review Testing:
We'll sit with you one-on-one to discuss the results of your lab tests. During this session, a medical practitioner will also answer any questions you have about low T and testosterone replacement therapy.
Begin Your Custom TRT Regimen:
Based on your lifestyle, goals, and test results, we'll craft a custom TRT plan exclusively for you.
Success Coaching:
When you undergo TRT at Proactive Wellness Centers, you're never alone. We'll be by your side the entire way to ensure your treatment is going well and you're hitting your benchmarks. We'll keep track of your progress, and if there are areas that need improvement, we'll work with you to accomplish the goals you haven't achieved yet. Because, at the end of the day, a little bit of encouragement can go a long way.
Enjoy the Results:
This is the best part! With time and care, you'll begin to notice the effects of TRT and will be well on your way to enjoying balanced hormones.

Trust The Proactive Wellness Difference
Did you know that 13 million males suffer from low T, but a whopping 90% go untreated by doctors? The reason is that conventional doctors believe that unless your Testosterone level is below the low lab reference range level, that your are "OK". At Proactive Wellness, we help you to optimize and be the best you can be, not just OK. Why be OK, when with the help of the right Testosterone dose, you can feel better, be healthier, stronger and more vibrant. If you believe that your testosterone levels are at unhealthy levels, it's time to contact Proactive Wellness Centers for testing. Living with low testosterone is a risk, but with personalized TRT in Falls Church, VA, you can minimize the harmful effects on your body.
Unlike other TRT clinics, we utilize a more complete and personalized approach to Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Our approach considers the role of DHEA, another very important hormone that needs to be balanced. And we look at Estradiol conversion, the unwanted effect where some men convert too much Testosterone to estradiol. In this case, these men (about 10%) need a medication to block this conversion, called an aromatase inhibitor. But notice that I mentioned that only 10% of men need this, but at many men's clinics, all men automatically get an aromatase inhibitor whether they need it or not. This drives Estradiol too low, causing other issues. Yes, Men need Estradiol also, but they need it in the proper proportion. Bottom line, our personalized approach ensures that you get exactly what you need, no more and no less.
Further, Proactive Wellness offers the widest range of Testosterone Replacement options so that men can choose the best for their particular lifestyle. Choose from pellets that are inserted just under the skin and last for 4-5 months, or the most popular option, Test Cypionate injections that are typically done weekly, or specialized transdermal cream or even a specialized intranasal application that mimics natural testosterone levels. Any of these methods are available at Proactive Wellness Centers so that you can get the option that is right for you.
Is testosterone replacement therapy enough? Maybe, it all depends on your goals and your lab results. Many men are also deficient in growth hormone (GH) and this hormone can also contribute to you not being your best. If this one is low, Proactive Wellness offers a range of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) peptides to increase your GH levels. Many men combine this with TRT to feel their absolute best.
If you're ready to reclaim your confidence and return to loving life on your own terms, our physicians and medical team are ready to help. Don't be one of those men who constantly complain about their health but don't do anything about it. Contact Proactive Wellness Centers today to make a difference in your life!

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Latest News Near Falls Church, VA
Brown’s Hardware, serving Falls Church for 140 years, is closing
Scott Gelmanhttps://wtop.com/local/2025/02/browns-hardware-serving-falls-church-for-over-140-years-is-closing/
Ever since Elizabeth Shipley-Moses and her husband John moved to Falls Church, Virginia, in 1977, they’ve been deliberate about shopping at Brown’s Hardware.If she needs a screw, a store staff member will find one. When there are things that she thinks are fixable, but that nobody else wanted to fix, those same workers offered their support.At larger retail stores, Shipley-Moses said, you can buy a package of 100 screws. At the Falls Church shop, customers can get just what they need.“It’s very sa...
Ever since Elizabeth Shipley-Moses and her husband John moved to Falls Church, Virginia, in 1977, they’ve been deliberate about shopping at Brown’s Hardware.
If she needs a screw, a store staff member will find one. When there are things that she thinks are fixable, but that nobody else wanted to fix, those same workers offered their support.
At larger retail stores, Shipley-Moses said, you can buy a package of 100 screws. At the Falls Church shop, customers can get just what they need.
“It’s very sad,” Shipley-Moses said, after telling a store worker that she’d be back soon to say goodbye, before the store closes for good. “Pretty soon we won’t have stores like this.”
The shop, which James Brown launched in the 1800s as a general store, stayed in his family for three generations. It evolved into a full-service hardware store, which cuts glass, repairs screens and windows and sells plumbing, electrical and garden supplies. They emphasized customer service, which helped them compete with nearby Home Depot.
But the Brown family suspected there would come a time that the business wouldn’t be worth as much as the property. John Taylor, the current owner, said the executor of the family’s estate received an offer that was too good to pass up.
Current plans, Taylor said, have the space being transformed into a restaurant. The closing on the real estate is set for April 1, but he said, “We will probably be here pretty much to the end.”
ARLNow first reported the store’s plans to close.
“The offer that came through was good, and at the time, he (the executor) thought it was time to do it,” Taylor said.
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The store has been on the same corner for 142 years, Taylor said. When Route 29 was expanded, a new store had to be built.
Brown’s has been a community fixture for so long, at one point, the shop had the only phone line to the only doctor in town.
Many of the store’s customers live within walking distance, Taylor said, or within a mile or two by car. The shop offered free delivery for mulch, and focused on the “little things,” such as lamp and screen repair.
Business soared during the pandemic, because many people worked from home, but there’s been a “steady decline” every month ever since, Taylor said.
“We weighed in all the factors — declining business, how people would come in and they’d say, ‘Well, thanks for the help, but I punched my phone in here, and I still can get it cheaper on Amazon or at Home Depot, so I’m going to go there,’” Taylor said.
“That’s kind of disheartening when that kind of stuff happens after you spent 15 minutes working with the customer on plumbing or something,” he added.
Some of the older residents will struggle, Taylor suspects, because they don’t have technology to be able to assist them with a plumbing or paint job or electrical repair.
But a new Whole Foods opened across the street from Brown’s, and there are new condominiums too, “so that’s just a sign of the times. That’s what they want. They want the tax base, and that’s about the end of that,” Taylor said.
Many of the neighborhood’s younger residents, Taylor said, are buying big houses with small yards, and they have an HOA that maintains the lawn and handles repairs.
“It’s just a different generation coming up now,” Taylor said. “It’s not going to be the same ever again.”
John Moses called Brown’s a “fixture in the city.”
“Things don’t last forever,” Moses said. “Considering when this started, it’s amazing it lasted this long.”
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Cappies Review: 'Almost, Maine' At Justice High School
patch.comhttps://patch.com/virginia/fallschurch/cappies-review-almost-maine-justice-high-school
Justice High School's adaptation of "Almost, Maine" in late March featured nine short vignettes of different couples.Emily Leayman, Patch StaffBy Mariah Adams of Mount Vernon High SchoolAlmost, Maine, written by John Cariani and first performed in 2004, is a heartfelt and whimsical exploration of love, with all its complexities. Set on a winter night on a Friday in the quiet, remote town of Almost, Ma...
Justice High School's adaptation of "Almost, Maine" in late March featured nine short vignettes of different couples.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
By Mariah Adams of Mount Vernon High School
Almost, Maine, written by John Cariani and first performed in 2004, is a heartfelt and whimsical exploration of love, with all its complexities. Set on a winter night on a Friday in the quiet, remote town of Almost, Maine, the play is unique in its structure, consisting of nine short vignettes that offer snapshots of various couples. Each vignette shows one of the different aspects of love, from falling in love to falling out of it. The production at Justice High School brought these touching moments to life with a blend of humor, raw emotion, and captivating performances.
An amazing performance came from the scene between supporting actors Gayle, played by Rahel Kassa, and Lendall, played by Jason Gonzalez-Canales. Kassa's performance was nothing short of powerful, whether she was in disgusted denial or overwhelmed with love, she showed raw, brilliantly executed emotion. Her more intense, emotional performance was beautifully contrasted by Gonzalez-Canales's more grounded one. His calm demeanor, shown through gentle movements and a soft, loving tone, showed his understanding of his role and perfectly captured the "opposites attract" theme that echoed throughout the scene.
Hope, portrayed by supporting actor Sofi Hemmens, brought an incredible mix of comedic timing and deep reflection to her role. Their portrayal balanced moments of embarrassment with reflective pauses, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of the character's inner conflict with her past decisions and her current rash actions. Hemmens's ability to shift from light-hearted, almost awkward humor to moments of genuine emotional depth was a testament to their impressive acting range and their use of timing and inflection to do this shows their amazing acting ability.
The set design by Lucas Phinney was another highlight of the production, contributing greatly to the cozy and intimate atmosphere of the play. The snow globe framing around the stage emphasized the feeling of a small world where these fleeting moments of love could unfold. The addition of a detailed house front set piece with a functional porch light gave the performance a realistic touch, making the fictional town of Almost come to life.
Find out what's happening in Falls Churchfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The lighting, done by Chloe Bernasconi, also nicely added to the show, enhancing the emotional tone of the play. The lighting design subtly emphasized the themes of love and connection, with pink hues illuminating the more romantic moments. Special lighting effects were used to simulate a shooting star as well as simulate snowfall during set transitions, creative touches that made this production just a bit more magical.
Overall, Justice High School's production of Almost, Maine was a beautiful reflection of the complexities of love and relationships. With strong performances, a thoughtful set design, and inventive lighting choices, the production succeeded in creating a warm, intimate atmosphere that made the audience feel like they were witnessing these love stories firsthand. From the humorous to the heartfelt, the show delivered a series of moments that resonated deeply with all who were lucky enough to witness them.
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More from Falls Church
Falls Church businesses face displacement as new healthcare facility moves in
Joy Wanghttps://wjla.com/news/local/new-healthcare-facility-replace-graham-center-falls-church-displacing-small-businesses-pho-golden-cow-moving-relocating-restaurant-short-notice-vhc-health-community-resources-virginia-redevelopment
MARCH 2025 - Small businesses at the Graham Center in Falls Church, Va. (7News)FALLS CHURCH, Va. (7News) — On a cold day, there's something so comforting about a large bowl of pho. But at Pho Golden Cow in Falls Church, that comfort is fleeting."Very sad. Very sad," described Tim Le, the owner.He took over the business last year to fulfill a family friend's dying wish."He get sick and he ask me buy the place," remembered Le. "I say I will. So you know, I'm here."Little di...
MARCH 2025 - Small businesses at the Graham Center in Falls Church, Va. (7News)
FALLS CHURCH, Va. (7News) — On a cold day, there's something so comforting about a large bowl of pho. But at Pho Golden Cow in Falls Church, that comfort is fleeting.
"Very sad. Very sad," described Tim Le, the owner.
He took over the business last year to fulfill a family friend's dying wish.
"He get sick and he ask me buy the place," remembered Le. "I say I will. So you know, I'm here."
Little did he know then, he wouldn't be here for long. Le said he had no idea VHC Health had bought the property.
Northern Virginia will soon be home to a new health care facility, but that move will also displace a group of small businesses that have called the Graham Center in Falls Church home for decades.
From a shoe repair store, dentist office, salon, to a handful of restaurants, all of these businesses are in the process of leaving this plaza along Route 50.
In mid August, Le, along with other tenants, received a letter from VHC Health letting them know their lease would be over by the end of March 2025, to allow for new construction for the new medical facility.
"It's very short notice," said Le.
SEE ALSO | Rural small business owners urge lawmakers to prioritize their growth
Grass roots organization, A Viet Place Collective, has been helping them navigate the change.
"A lot of them don't understand that they're entitled to help," said Hoinam Nguyen.
He said these businesses, many minority owned, are being taken advantage of.
"During public board meetings for Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, they mentioned how this is a win win for everybody," said Nguyen. "But I noticed they left out the small businesses. They left out the businesses that got displaced.
He's pushing for a lease extension, rent relief, something to help these businesses stay afloat during this tough transition.
SEE ALSO | Falls Church 'Medical Brigade' donates 150 surgeries to underserved in Honduras
"I think it'll be really devastating for these businesses to close down," said Nguyen.
VHC sent 7News details about their efforts saying:
"They put up some signs that were very small, like near the road," described Nguyen. "But there needs to be more outreach."
Viet Place Collective told 7News the small businesses "have provided integral community services, products, and food to the multicultural communities of Falls Church and the greater area for decades."
A core organizer for Viet Place Collective, Binh Ly, said in a statement:
“Fairfax County approved this development without consulting the impacted small businesses and without considering how this displacement of the businesses and their workers would affect the community. It’s clear that the outreach that’s legally required is neither sufficient nor considerate."
Supervisor Dalia Palchik told 7News in a statement:
“We facilitated a meeting between VHC, Viet Place Collective, and several business owners onsite last week. We brought several county agencies, including the Department of Economic Initiatives, One Fairfax, and Neighborhood and Community Services, to provide additional resources and help us learn from the entrepreneurs. I was encouraged by the dialogue and the additional concessions made by VHC to support the business owners, and their conversations are still ongoing. It was a productive meeting, and we thank all of those who attended. We also had helpful takeaways for similar circumstances in the future.”
"It's just important that these businesses get help," said Nguyen.
Many of these businesses can't make profits while also moving.
"I just want to be a business owner, and I love to be a business owner of the Pho Golden Cow," said Le. "It's part of my goal and part of my dream to own the restaurant."
A dream he'll have to fulfill elsewhere in just a few weeks.
A Viet Place Collective tells 7 News after the meeting facilitated by Fairfax County, VHC Health has offered tenants who have paid rent through February:
"We are pleased that VHC has agreed to the requests of the business owners. It will help ease the burden of having to close down their business and/or relocate," the organization said.
As for the new facility, VHC said it "will provide highly in-demand emergency, urgent care and imaging services to the community less than 15 minutes and 4.6 miles from the hospital campus."
This hardware store lasted 142 years. But it couldn’t survive 2025.
Anthony J. Riverahttps://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/03/27/browns-hardware-falls-church-closing/
The little brass bell on the door of Brown’s Hardware jingled — just like it had for 142 years — as the first customers of the day walked in.Merchandise like wire strippers, work gloves and ball valves occupied every inch of the store not long ago, but were mostly gone now. Johnny Cash and June Carter’s song “Jackson” hummed from the stereo in the back.A shopper and a clerk were talking. Then came hugs.This wasn’t just the end of a store. This was the loss of a community’s ...
The little brass bell on the door of Brown’s Hardware jingled — just like it had for 142 years — as the first customers of the day walked in.
Merchandise like wire strippers, work gloves and ball valves occupied every inch of the store not long ago, but were mostly gone now. Johnny Cash and June Carter’s song “Jackson” hummed from the stereo in the back.
A shopper and a clerk were talking. Then came hugs.
This wasn’t just the end of a store. This was the loss of a community’s anchor.
Owner John Taylor, 73, had witnessed this bond between his business and its customers for years. Northern Virginia has experienced several decades of commercial and residential development. Some small businesses have struggled to compete and had to close.
But Brown’s managed to hang on.
With the store now shutting down, Taylor found himself with no inventory to count, no orders to place and no shelves to stock.
James W. Brown opened his shop at the historic crossroads of Falls Church in 1883. The town got its name from the nearby chapel where George Washington had been a vestry. Some believe first lady Dolley Madison may have passed through the area to flee a burning Washington, D.C., during the War of 1812.
About 70 years later — when the Washington Monument was nearing completion — Brown’s Groceries and Hardware opened for business. Thieves tried to dynamite the store’s safe in 1884 and blew out the front of the place, Taylor said, but they never breached the lock.
The business passed down three generations to Hugh Brown, James W. Brown’s great-grandson. Before dying in 2018 at age 92, he arranged for Taylor — who was hired in 1997 — to become owner of the store when he was gone. Taylor said Brown knew he would carry on his legacy after taking over.
Taylor has worked at the store long enough to remember the “Snowmaggedon” blizzard of 2010, when shovels and sleds were flying off the shelves. He said he rang one of the highest-grossing sale days he’d ever seen at Brown’s. During the coronavirus pandemic, the store stayed open because it was considered an essential business, Taylor said. But inflation and supply-chain issues caused chaos.
The last day will be March 31. Stoic amid these final weeks, Taylor said it was sad to keep a place going through so many challenges just to see it close.
It was no secret that commercial real estate developers had been hungry for his space. Last year, there was a good offer for the property and it was sold, Taylor said.
Regular clientele appreciated that Brown’s sold things in small quantities, unlike many big-box stores. The staff would sometimes fix a broken toy, a loose lacrosse mask or a busted hose free of charge.
Now, with most items at half price, customers were buying everything from glass display cases to wood shelving. The battered safe is expected to go to the city of Falls Church.
Trent Brooks, a 70-year-old customer from Northeast Washington, recently bought the four-person staff hamburgers for lunch. He said news of the store’s closure was a “gut punch.”
John Lawrence, 64, said his teenage son landed his first job there. He chuckled a bit, remembering that Brown’s didn’t offer direct deposit for paychecks.
The business mostly resisted the trappings of computers and digital merchant systems. But the modern world caught up with it, Taylor said, as shoppers increasingly chose Amazon over in-store purchases.
Taylor jokes that he’ll soon be a minor nuisance to his wife. “I’ve been working six days a week most of my life,” he said. “I don’t have a lot of hobbies. This is my hobby — work.”
He’ll do occasional odd jobs with retirement. But nothing will replace regular shifts at the store.
“It’ll be nice to have a month or two off,” Taylor said. “But then after that, it’s going to be, ‘What do I do now?’”
For now, the task was to sell as much of the store as possible and say goodbye to familiar faces.
Peter Byrd, 69, who works at Foxes Music Company nearby, surveyed the patchwork of empty tea green, rose pink and golden brown pegboard covering the walls. “I never once came here when they didn’t have what I was looking for,” he said.
He picked through the bins, looking for something to buy. Then, he sighed.
“This is America,” he said.
A previous version of this article incorrectly said that George Washington had been a vestry. He was a member of the vestry.
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